The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This silver Denarius coin was issued under Emperor Septimius Severus, founder of the Severan dynasty and military leader who emerged victorious from Rome's devastating civil war. Minted in the late 2nd to early 3rd century CE, this coin represents the beginning of a new imperial era following a period of exceptional political instability.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Septimius Severus with laurel wreath, shown with his characteristic beard and stern expression, surrounded by Latin text identifying him with his imperial titles
Back side: Could display various Roman deities (possibly Victory, Jupiter, or Mars), personifications of virtues, or references to military achievements that legitimized his rule after the civil war
Technical Details:
Silver alloy composition
Denarius denomination (standard silver coin of the Roman economy)
RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) reference number not visible in description
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) certified
Minted approximately 193-211 CE
Fine to Very Fine condition (moderate wear with good detail remaining)
Historical Significance:
This coin was minted after Septimius Severus, a North African-born general, emerged victorious in the chaotic "Year of the Five Emperors" (193 CE). After the murder of Emperor Commodus, the Roman Empire descended into civil war, with multiple claimants vying for power. Severus defeated his rivals and established a new dynasty that would rule Rome for four decades. His military background influenced his reign, as he increased soldiers' pay and strengthened the army's political role. These coins circulated throughout an empire that was becoming increasingly militarized, with provincial-born emperors like Severus shifting power away from traditional Roman aristocracy. The silver denarius, though beginning to show signs of debasement during this period, remained the standard silver coin of daily commerce throughout the empire.
The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This silver Denarius coin was issued under Emperor Septimius Severus, founder of the Severan dynasty and military leader who emerged victorious from Rome's devastating civil war. Minted in the late 2nd to early 3rd century CE, this coin represents the beginning of a new imperial era following a period of exceptional political instability.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Septimius Severus with laurel wreath, shown with his characteristic beard and stern expression, surrounded by Latin text identifying him with his imperial titles
Back side: Could display various Roman deities (possibly Victory, Jupiter, or Mars), personifications of virtues, or references to military achievements that legitimized his rule after the civil war
Technical Details:
Silver alloy composition
Denarius denomination (standard silver coin of the Roman economy)
RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) reference number not visible in description
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) certified
Minted approximately 193-211 CE
Fine to Very Fine condition (moderate wear with good detail remaining)
Historical Significance:
This coin was minted after Septimius Severus, a North African-born general, emerged victorious in the chaotic "Year of the Five Emperors" (193 CE). After the murder of Emperor Commodus, the Roman Empire descended into civil war, with multiple claimants vying for power. Severus defeated his rivals and established a new dynasty that would rule Rome for four decades. His military background influenced his reign, as he increased soldiers' pay and strengthened the army's political role. These coins circulated throughout an empire that was becoming increasingly militarized, with provincial-born emperors like Severus shifting power away from traditional Roman aristocracy. The silver denarius, though beginning to show signs of debasement during this period, remained the standard silver coin of daily commerce throughout the empire.
