SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS
AD 193-211
AE18. 3.12g, 18.3mm
MINTED: MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum, circa AD 193-211
REF: Varbanov 2571 var. (legends)
OBVERSE: AV K CЄ CЄVHPOC, laureate head right.
REVERSE: NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC ICTP, double coiled serpent with head erect.
 
Provenance:
Ex Roma E-sale 22 (28 Nov 2015), lot 375
 
Grade/Notes:
Very Fine. Dark green patina. Excellent strike and details; nice portrait for a small provincial bronze.
 
Historical Notes:
Following his victory over King Decebalus in the Dacian Wars (AD 101-106), Emperor Trajan reorganised the region and founded several cities, including Nicopolis, which was situated by the river Iatrus. Nicopolis flourished as a major trade centre throughout the 2nd century, though by the mid 3rd century, the region began to be increasingly subject to invasions by the barbarian tribes. The city was destroyed in AD 447 by the soldiers of Attila the Hun.