Septimius Severus, 193-211. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.79 g, 5 h), Laodicea ad Mare (?), 196-197. L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII 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 451. Cohen 210. RIC 488. About extremely fine.



The reverse of this beautiful 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.