Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial - Augustus - J

Lot 4557    SESSION 17 (11.30AM THURSDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER)    Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Imperial - Augustus - Jul

Estimate $150
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $170

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, (A.D. 193-211), silver denarius, issued 204, Rome mint, (2.99 g), obv. laureate bust to right of Septimius Severus, around SEVERVS PIVS AVG, rev. Dea Caelestis, holding thunderbolt and sceptre seated on lion leaping to right, over water which gushes from rock, around INDVLGENTIA AVGG, IN CARTH in exergue, (S.6285, RIC 266, RSC 222); another from Rome mint, issued A.D. 204 (3.28 g), obv. laureate head of Septimius Severus to right, around SEVERVS PIVS AVG, rev. around VICT PART MAX, Victory advancing to left, holding wreath and palm, (S.6372, RIC 295, RSC 744). Both toned, good very fine and scarce. (2)

The first 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.