Septimius Severus AR Denarius Rome AD 207 Africa with Lion RIC IV 207

Septimius Severus, denarius, silver, reign 193–211, struck at Rome in AD 207, 3.25 g, 18.5 mm. Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG; laureate head right. Reverse: P M TR P XV COS III P P; Africa standing right, wearing elephant-skin headdress and holding fruits and grain; lion advancing right at feet. Struck at Rome on a round flan with complete legends and clear devices; minor peripheral flan fissures. Reference: RIC IV 207 (Severus).

This issue dates securely to AD 207 by the tribunician numeral XV in the reverse legend. The personification Africa, identified by the elephant-skin headgear and lion, advertises the wealth and resources of the African provinces and acknowledges the emperor’s origin at Lepcis Magna in Africa Proconsularis. The titles COS III and P P mark Severus’ third consulship and his status as pater patriae, situating the coin within his late reign program that emphasized provincial prosperity and imperial legitimacy.