Septimius Severus, 193-211. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.42 g, 6 h), Rome, 203. SEVERVS PIVS AVG Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. COS III P P The Arch of Septimius Severus, consisting of a central archway flanked by two smaller archways; above, attic supported by four columns; atop, facing triumphal quadriga flanked by horsemen and erect figures on either side. BMC 320. Cohen 104. RIC 259. Very rare. An attractively toned example of this historically important issue. Very fine.


The reverse of this denarius shows the famous Arch of Septimius Severus, erected in 203 to commemorate the victories during the emperor's Parthian campaigns in 194-195 and 197-199. The Arch was built at the northwestern end of the Forum Romanum and is still one of the main attractions for modern-day visitors to the ancient remains of Rome.