Septimius Severus, Legionary gold Aureus, NGC CH AU* 5/5 3/5

Septimius Severus (AD 193-211), gold Aureus, Emesa, AD 193, IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG, laureate head right, rev. LEG XIIII GEM M V, TR P COS in exergue, aquila between two signa, 7.21g (RIC IV, 358 [same dies as illustration]; Calicó 2472; BMCRE 337 [Wars of the Succession, same dies]; cf. Biaggi 1073 [Rome]). In NGC holder graded Choice AU*, strike 5/5, surface 3/5; rare and of the utmost historical importance.

NGC Certification: 6057115-012.

The Legio XIV, Gemina, Martia Victrix, a time-honoured Legion in the Roman Army renowned for its campaign successes, was established by Julius Caesar in 57 BC, and subsequently fought for Octavian at the Battle of Actium, and the Emperor Claudius in the Conquest of Britain. The legion was instrumental in defeating Boudicca's Iceni warriors in AD 60/61 gaining the epithet MARTIA VICTRIX for doing so. Nero considered them his most effective legion and stationed them in Britain for several years to keep the British Celts in check. By AD 193 their commander was Septimius Severus and on the death of Pertinax, the legion declared Severus Emperor. It was to be the start of civil war and the year of the five emperors but on assuming power, Severus commissioned a series of legionary coinage, affirming his authority and ensuring military support. From that series, none can be more significant than the rare gold Aurei representing his own former legion, the Fourteenth.