| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 144 with CNG & NGSA | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 1112 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: The Geoffrey Cope Collection of Ancient Greek and Roman Bronzes. The Roman Empire. Septimius Severus, 193 – 211. Description Sestertius, Roma 210, Æ 32 mm, 23.41 g. L – SEPT SEVE – RVS PIVS AVG Laureate head r. Rev. P M TR P XVIII COS III P P Severus and Caracalla, both veiled, standing vis-à-vis and sacrificing over altar; behind them, in the centre, figure of Concordia or Pietas. In exergue, S C. Reference C 560 BMC 191 RIC 798 Condition Very rare and in unusually fine condition for the issue. A finely detailed reverse composition and a blue-green patina of enchanting beauty. Extremely fine Provenance Hess-Leu sale 49, 1971, 400 NAC sale 1, 1989, 899 Note: In A.D. 208 Septimius Severus decided that a campaign to subdue the northern half of Britannia was in order. For years the Picts had proved troublesome, but news had recently arrived in Rome that the northern barbarians had invaded yet again, wreaking considerable havoc in the Roman settlements to the south and leaving much death and destruction in their wake. The emperor, his wife Julia Domna and two sons, Caracalla and Geta, arrived in Britain in early A.D. 209, and the emperor immediately set about the task of subduing the lands of the Picts. Both the Firth of Forth and the Tay were bridged and a network of forts and encampments were built. The Romans quickly subdued their enemies, inflicting such a decisive defeat that the Picts were compelled to surrender late in the year. Severus took this opportunity to elevate his younger son, Geta, to the rank of Augustus, and also assumed the title Britannicus, at the same time also bestowing the title on both of his sons. Estimate: 7500 CHF |  |
