Septimius Severus, denarius, silver, reign 193–211, minted 201

Septimius Severus, denarius, silver, reign 193–211, minted 201, weight 3.20 g, diameter 18 mm. Obverse depicts laureate bust of Septimius Severus facing right, legend SEVERVS PIVS AVG, inscription P M TR P XVIII COS III P P. Reverse depicts Salus, draped, seated left, feeding snake coiled in her lap from patera held in right hand; legend not fully detailed in provided data, reference RIC IV Septimius Severus 236. Strike is centered with full legends visible. Toning appears uniformly medium-grey with minor darker areas in recesses. This coin was issued during the reign of Septimius Severus in AD 201, struck in silver at the Rome mint. The obverse portrait reflects the imperial style of the early third century, emphasizing the emperor’s authority. The reverse type, depicting Salus, relates to themes of public and imperial health and stability. The legend P M TR P XVIII COS III P P records Severus’ titles at the time, marking his eighteenth tribunician power. Reverse depictions of Salus were used by several emperors to convey continuity of welfare for the Roman state. This type belongs to the standard silver denarius issues of his reign and is cataloged under RIC IV 236.