Septimius Severus. 193-211 AD. Laodicea ad Mare, c. 207-208 AD
Septimius Severus. 193-211 AD. Laodicea ad Mare, c. 207-208 AD
AR Tetradrachm, 13.9g (25mm, 12h). AYT KAI - CEOYHPOC CE Draped laureate head right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ YΠATPCΓ Eagle, seen from front with wings spread, head left, laurel wreath in beak, standing on ground-line, between legs, star-shaped light.
Pedigree: Ex Glendining & Co., 5 March 1970, Lot 214. Purchased privately from Dr. Martina Dieterle, 3 December 2004.
References: McAlee, in: ANSMN 29, 1984 p. 55,16 und pl. 4,16 Prieur p. 133,1140 (same obverse dies)
Grade: Part of legend missing on reverse due to being off-center. Lovely toning with a nice strike. Some minor marks but otherwise EF. (re1252)
Septimius Severus was born in modern day Libya. He was the first African born emperor to rule. The father of the Severan Dynasty, his two sons Caracalla and Geta and his wife Julia Domna all hold significant positions in the history of the Roman world. Severus became emperor in 193 AD after the famous rapid succession of five different rulers. The Empire was in disarray and he brought order back into it. HIs dynasty lasted until the death of Severus Alexander in 235 AD.