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ROMAN/Septimius Severus CE 193-211


AR Denarius 17.5 mm, 3.35 g, Roma mint c. CE 200-201

RSC 612

RIC IV 168a

O:  laur bust r SEVERVS AVG-PART MAX

R: Severus stg l in military garb, offering sacrifice over altar RESTITVTO-RI VRBIS

 

This denarius commemorates the restorative work in Roma undertaken by Severus after securing his position in the wake of the civil wars arising after the murder of Commodus in CE 192.  One example, is some restorative work commemorated by a now barely visible inscription on the Pantheon beneath that of the Agrippa inscription, noting his contribution to restoring the structure that “deteriorated by old age”.

Close up of the Severan inscription seen on the Pantheon at the end of September 2024 during a trip to Roma.

Porta Octavia in the Jewish Ghetto of Roma seen at the end of September 2024 with an inscription dated to around the time of the issuance of this denarius, commemorating the restoration of the monument by Severus and Caracalla after a fire. 


Bust of Severus at the Uffizi in Firenze, seen at the end of September 2024

Arch of Severus in the Roman Forum at the end of September 2024