Lot 3482

Description

Septimius Severus, (A.D. 193-211), silver denarius, issued 204, Rome mint, (2.43 g), obv. laureate bust to right of Septimius Severus, around SEVERVS PIVS AVG, rev. Dea Caelestis, holding thunderbolt and sceptre seated facing head right on lion leaping to right, over water which gushes from rock, around INDVLGENTIA AVGG, IN CARTH in exergue, (S.6285, RIC 266, RSC 222). Grey, with blue and gold patination, extremely fine, scarce.

The coin type refers to a special type of favour shown to Carthage, capital of Severus' native province. It appears to be connected with the city's water supply (perhaps a new aqueduct). The principal female deity of Carthage was known to the Romans as Dea Caelestis, 'Celestial goddess'. Although not named on the coin, there can be little doubt that she is the figure shown riding on the lion.