SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS
AD 193-211
AE18. 2.57g, 17.8mm
MINTED: MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum, circa AD 193-211
REF: Varbanov 2512 var. (obv legend); Hristova-Hoeft-Jekov (2018) 8.14.16.6
OBVERSE: AY KAI Λ CЄ CЄYHPOC, laureate head right.
REVERSE: NIKOPOΛ[ITΩN ΠP]OC IC, Winged Eros standing right, legs crossed, resting on torch set on low altar.
 
Grade/Notes:
Good Fine.
A charming reverse type depicting a winged Eros (the Greek equivalent of Cupid, the god of love and sex). 
 
Historical Notes:
Nicopolis, located in present-day northern Bulgaria, was one of the cities founded by Emperor Trajan between AD 102-106, following his victory over King Decebalus in the Dacian Wars.  The city was situated by the river Iatrus, and flourished as a major trading centre during the Antonine and Severan dynasties.  By the mid 3rd century, however, the region began to be increasingly subject to invasions by the barbarian tribes, until stability was restored under Emperor Diocletian (AD 284-305), and Nicopolis once again prospered.  In AD 447, the city was pillaged and destroyed by the armies of Attila the Hun.