Roman Empire, Septimius Severus Siver Denarius (193-211 AD) NGC Ch VF

This silver denarius was struck under Septimius Severus, the Roman emperor who reigned from AD 193 to 211 and founded the Severan dynasty. Issued during a period of military expansion and administrative consolidation, the denarius remained the backbone of Roman commerce and military pay throughout his reign. Septimius Severus restored stability to the empire after the chaotic Year of the Five Emperors, and his coinage reflects both his military prowess and his efforts to legitimize his rule through iconography and propaganda. This example has been certified by NGC Ancients and graded Choice Very Fine, confirming its authenticity and appealing preservation.

The obverse displays a laureate portrait of Septimius Severus facing right, rendered in the naturalistic style characteristic of late second-century imperial portraiture. The legend encircling the portrait is clear and well-centered, with sharp lettering that remains fully legible. The reverse depicts a standing figure, likely representing a personification of Victory or a military virtue, holding symbolic attributes. The devices are well-defined with moderate relief, and the legends remain visible despite light wear on the high points. The flan is relatively round with typical minor edge irregularities expected for hand-struck ancient silver.

Graded Choice Very Fine by NGC Ancients, this denarius exhibits even light-gray patina with no significant surface issues or distracting marks. The strike is solid with clear device definition on both sides, and wear is confined to the highest relief areas as expected for the grade. Denarii of Septimius Severus are widely collected for their historical importance and attractive portraiture, appealing to collectors of Roman Imperial silver and those building type sets of the Severan period. We have multiple examples available for purchase similar to the coin pictured here.