ROMES FIRST AFRICAN EMPEROR : SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS LIMES DENARIUS

PERIOD: ROMAN, LOCATION: CAMBRIDGESHIRE, UK MATERIAL: BASE METAL

This incredible Roman Coin comes from our very first rally season at Detectival. It was our best find from what was one hell of a weekend. Where of course, our classic Roman Found stubbornness saw us ankles deep in thick mud, plodding through until the next signal revealed one of the best condition Roman Coins we had ever found. Our Septimius Severus Limes Denarius. 

This coin reveals the story behind Rome’s first African Emperor, Septimius Severus, who ruled from 193 - 211 AD, a reign that would mark the end of Civil War and usher in a new period of growth and stability. He was born in, what is now known as, Libya, and rose through the ranks from public office to the governorship of the entire Roman Province of Pannonia Superior (present day Eastern Europe), in charge of a huge army and at the perfect timing to seize control of the Roman Throne as it’s previous dynasty was teetering on the brink of collapse. 

The current Emperor, Commodus, was assassinated in 192 AD after he became increasingly dangerous and unpredictable, then his successor Pertinax was murdered by his bodyguards the Praetorian Guard after just 3 months on the throne. The Roman Nerva - Antonine dynasty was shattered, ending almost a century of stability and prosperity. The title of Roman Emperor was sold to the highest bidder seeing wealthy Roman Senator Marcus Didius Julianus take the throne in March. But Julianus wasn’t enough to bring stability to the Empire, instead people opposed the auction of the title of Emperor and called for the intervention of the army. What came next was a ruthless campaign for the control of the Empire.

The Roman Nerva - Antonine dynasty was shattered, ending almost a century of stability and prosperity.

As quickly as Julianus bought his way to Roman Emperor, three province governors also made claims for the Roman Throne. Gaius Pescennius Niger, Governor of Syria, was proclaimed Emperor by his troops but he only had the command of 4 Roman Legions. Decimus Clodius Albinus, Governor of Britain, claimed the title for himself but with the support of only 3 Legions. And then we have Septimius Severus, Governor of Pannonia Superior, in charge of 16 Roman Legions and proclaimed Emperor by the full support of his soldiers and, after forging an alliance with Albinus, quickly marched on Rome. 

Julianus found himself murdered after only 4 months in power with Septimius Severus the new Emperor facing very little resistance entering Rome and defeating his opponent Niger in battle. Severus replaced the untrustworthy Praetorian Guard with soldiers loyal to himself and introduced various new privileges and a pay rise to the Roman Army to consolidate his power. 

His reign, much like his rise to power, was characterised by his brutal military campaigns undertaking large advancements to strengthen Rome’s frontiers in both Parthia and here in Britain, as Severus and his son Caracalla led the Roman Army north of Hadrian's Wall. The campaign of Britain was a great commitment of both time and resources, between 35,000 - 50,000 soldiers travelled with the Imperial Family to Britain and for 3 years the entire Roman Empire was ruled out of York. 

His reign, much like his rise to power, was characterised by his brutal military campaigns undertaking large advancements to strengthen Rome’s frontiers in both Parthia and here in Britain.

This coin dates to around 200AD, with the reverse depicting the Goddess Victory flying left holding an open diadem above a round shield resting on a stand. It’s a Limes Denarius, a contemporary copy of the Silver Denarii in circulation at the time that were made from base metal and often silver plated.

On the whole it has a strong connection and connotations to the militaristic advancements and achievements that were characteristic of Severus’ rule. In particular the army was rather imperative to his success, as his method to power and an institution that had the capability to take it away. Severus had already upped the armies' pay to ensure their loyalty and knew the importance of keeping them on his side, this coin in particular displays a reverse that was very much in the armies interest depicting one of their most worshipped gods. It is even believed that Limes Denarius were produced purposely to pay the army, a non-precious metal coinage that was still accepted as normal within the Empire and prevented large quantities of bullion falling into enemies hands in the outcome of a defeat. Perhaps a necessary commodity when undertaking such militaristic challenges as Severus planned. 

Severus eventually died in York after falling ill, aged 65, leaving behind an Empire at one of its largest expanses and at the start of a new era, the Severan Dynasty. But would his sons be able to keep up the stability their father achieved?