Septimius Severus, 193-211. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 1.76 g, 6 h), Rome, 197. L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. HERCVLI DEFENS Hercules, standing facing, head to right, nude but for lion-skin hanging from his left shoulder, holding bow in his left hand and placing his right on club set on ground. BMC 218. Cohen 212. RIC 97. An attractive example with a portrait of fine style. A few light deposits, otherwise, extremely fine.



The reverse of this denarius showcases Hercules Defensor, or 'Hercules the Defender'. This imagery aims to underscore the emperor and his divine companion's vigilant protection of the empire against both internal and external threats.