Lot 1794

Description

Septimius Severus, (A.D. 193-211), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 209, (3.48 g), obv. laureate head of Septimius Severus to right, around SEVERVS PIVS AVG, rev. around P M TR P XVII COS III P P, the River-God Tyne reclining right, holding shell and rudder, sea-horse before, water gushing from rock below, (S.6347, RIC 229, RSC 530). Toned, nearly extremely fine and very rare.

Ex Dr V.J.A.Flynn Collection and previously Moruzzi Numismatica with ticket.

Severus was in Britain at this time. This rare denarius depicts the personification of the river Tyne - closely connected with the northern frontier of Britannia. Septimius Severus used the river as a supply link during his invasions into Scotland in 208-210.