Summary

Ancient Roman Empire
Silver Denarius issued by Septimius Severus naming Legion XXX Ulpia between June and December 193 AD
Mint: Rome.

Obverse Description

Laureate head of Septimius Severus facing right; around; IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG

Reverse Description

Legionary eagle between two standards; around, LEG XXX VLP; in exergue, TR P COS

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Severus was proclaimed emperor at Carnuntum on the Danube River on 13 April 193. He arrived in Rome with his army on 9 June; production of this coin, from the mint at Rome, must be dated after that. On 1 Jan 194 he became Consul for the second time, this coin only refers to a single consulship so again production should be before 194. The coin is part of a series naming all of the Legions who supported Severus. This coin refers to the Legion 30 Ulpia Victrix (LEG XXX VLP on the reverse), a legion stationed on the Rhine which Severus sent to the East against a rival claimant, Pescennius Niger. Severus granted this legion the additional titles Pia Felix (faithful and loyal) for their service during the Civil War of 193-194.

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