Roman emperor Septimius Severus. AFRICAN emperor the Roman emperor Reign 193AD - 211AD

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Bronze Sestertius in astonishing condition, a high rarity for such
quality 3rd. Cent coin. A portrait with brilliant eye appeal
REMARKABLE BROWN MARBLE toning

Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax, was the first African emperor of the Romans. (Born. April 11, 145/146, Leptis Magna, Tripolitania [now in Libya] -died Feb. 4, 211, York, England after reigning for 18 years as Emperor of Rome.
[The ruins of Leptis Magna are located in Khoms, Libya, 130 km (81 mi) east of Tripoli, on the coast where the Wadi Lebda meets the sea. The site is one of the most spectacular and unspoiled Roman ruins in the Mediterranean]

He was seen as a very important figure in the historical timeline of Roman emperors. This sestertius coin is a magnificent cameo portrait striking of a third century A.D. Bronze Sestertius, a high rarity for such a 3rd. Cent bronze coin. A BROWN MARBLE toning. The image of Septimius Severus shows the features and looks of a North African.

Septimius Severus was the first Roman Emperor born in Africa. He ruled between AD 193 and 211. His family was of Phoenician rather than black African descent, ancient literary sources refer to the dark colour of his skin and relate that he kept his African accent into old age. He was an accomplished general who, having defeated his internal enemies in a series of civil wars, went on to victories at the furthest frontiers of the Empire, from Mesopotamia to Britain.

Septimius Severus is shown with his characteristic beard and tight curled hair. The reverse DIS AVSPICIB TR P II COS II P P Hercules on left, standing to left with club in right hand and lion’s skin over left arm. Bacchus on right, standing left with cup in right hand and thyrsus in left hand, at his feet a Panther to left with head turned right; S C in exergue.( Bacchus was the city deity of Septimius Severus birthplace Leptis)

The reputation of Septimius Severus, some consider him responsible for the descent of Rome. Did Severus lead Rome to turmoil and ultimate decay in Rome? The "De Imperator bus Romanis" by giving greater pay and benefits to soldiers that brought increasing financial and military burdens to Rome's government. His reign was bloody according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, he may have been involved in the murder of his predecessor, Pertinax. It was written he persecuted the Christians and forbade conversion to Judaism and to Christianity.

Septimius Severus did restore stability to the Roman Empire. He improved performance and increased morale by making (expensive) changes in the military and Praetorian Guard. He restored Hadrian's Wall and was involved in other construction projects. He also played the part of the traditional emperor. He reformed the grain supply for the city of Rome.... He put on games for the people to keep them diverted and on his side. He freed his friends from debt and gave donatives to the soldiers and people. He also heard lawsuits.... Severus also began appointing his own men to the senate, one the emperor's traditional prerogatives.

Severus' two sons Caracalla and Geta were instructed by their father on his death-bed to 'pay the troops, get on with each other and ignore everyone else'. Within a year, however, Caracalla had murdered his brother and reigned alone, with all vestiges of Geta's image and name removed from buildings, a process known as 'Damnatio Memoriae'.

Geoffrey Cope
www.petitioncrown.com

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11 REQUESTS for sale scince I posted the article a few hours ago - dear forum readers, the 'eye' appeal for me as a collector makes such a piece a centre attraction of my collection. Anyhow I paid 'an arm and a leg' to purchase it - i am sure knobody will be as crazy to pay more

dk

Very nice coin and write up.