Divus Septimius Severus, died 211. Denarius (Silver, 20 mm, 3.33 g, 6 h), Rome, mid to late 211. DIVO SEVERO PIO Bare head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. CONSECRATIO Eagle standing front on thunderbolt, wings spread and head turned to left. BMC 24. Cohen 82. RIC 191B. Lightly toned and with a superb portrait of refined style. Nearly extremely fine.



This lovely denarius in honor of the deified Septimius Severus was struck shortly after the emperor died at York, in the province of Britannia. Unlike most of Severus's denarii, whose portraits tend to mediocrity, this coin exhibits a majestic and incredibly fine portrait of the newly deified god, with a handsome portrait of refined sensitivity. The eagle on the reverse, standing on Jupiter's thunderbolt and with his wings displayed, appears to be awaiting the soul of the deceased to climb upon his back so that he can fly him to Mount Olympus, where the deified emperor will take his place amongst the other gods.