| Heritage World Coin Auctions > CSNS Signature Sale 3115 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 31091 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients Septimius Severus (AD 193-211). AV aureus (20mm, 7.26 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Rome, AD 194. L•SEPT•SEV•PE-RT•AVG IMP III, laureate head of Septimius Severus right / DIS•AVSPI-CIB•T-R-P II, Hercules standing facing (on left), head left, nude, right hand resting on grounded club, lion skin draped over left arm, and Bacchus standing facing (on right), head left, nude, grounded thyrsus in left hand, oenochoe in right hand over panther crouched left in center; COS II P P in exergue. Calicó 2446; same obv. die as 2446a. RIC IV.I 31. The coin's surfaces shimmer in a stunningly vibrant shade of goldenrod, enhancing the finely crafted details of the portrait. This exquisite detailing is beautifully complemented by the simple yet sharply defined designs of the deities on the reverse, creating a harmonious and visually striking piece. L. Septimius Severus was the first Roman emperor of African origins, and this aureus type makes an oblique reference to his background. Struck in AD 194, the reverse depicts the demigods Hercules and Bacchus, both patron deities of the emperor's hometown of Leptis Magna, on the North African coast. Severus greatly favored his native province and his hometown in particular. The impact of his generosity, in the form of a massive building campaign, can still be seen in the city's well-preserved ruins today. Hercules and Bacchus were also known as the "Divine Heralds" (Dis Auspicibus), who mediated between humankind and the Olympian deities, and are so named in the legend. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-imperial/ancients-septimius-severus-ad-193-211-av-aureus-20mm-726-gm-11h-ngc-choice-au-5-5-4-5/a/3115-31091.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3115-05082024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Estimate: 10000-15000 USD |  |
