Septimius Severus 193-211 AD, silver Denarius Legionary issue. Rome mint. Struck 193 AD

Septimius Severus (193-211 AD), silver Denarius Legionary issue. Rome 193 AD, IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG, laureate head right / LEG XIIII GEM M V, aquila left between two signa; TR P COS in exergue. 3.51g 7h (RIC IV 14; RSC 272). Good very fine and scarce.

In 193 AD, Septimius Severus produced coins featuring Legio XIV Gemina to celebrate and strengthen the loyalty of the Roman army that had supported him in his rise to power. Severus had been the commander of this legion, so he had a personal connection with its soldiers. The year 193 was a period of great political instability, known as the Year of the Five Emperors, and Severus needed the support of his army to secure his position as emperor. The coins showed the legionary eagle and standards, along with the name of Legio XIV Gemina, making the military connection very clear. They were probably connected to payments and rewards given to Severus' soldiers after his accession. By producing these coins, Severus could thank his troops for their loyalty while also sending a political message that his claim to the throne was backed by a powerful and loyal army. The coins therefore served both a practical purpose as money and a symbolic purpose, reminding soldiers and the wider Roman population of the important role the legions played in Severus' rise to power.

The obverse legend IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG translates to "Emperor Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus."

The reverse legend "LEG XIIII GEM M V translates to 4th Twin Legion, Victorious and Martial."