Lot 4164
Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. Gold Aureus (7.2g) minted at Rome, AD 197. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus right. Reverse: LIBERO PATRI. Bacchus (Liber) standing slightly right, head turned left, crowning himself, and holding a thyrsus; behind him at his feet, a leopard prances left, head back. Sear 6212; Calicó 2482 (this coin); Biaggi 1081 (this coin); cf. RIC 99 (obverse portrait). Crisp details throughout with underlying luster present. Very rare. Extremely Fine.
This rare and beautiful aureus type datable to AD 197 features on the reverse a figure of Liber, the name by which the Romans usually referred to the god Dionysus. Here he rests on his usual attribute, a thyrsus, a staff surmounted by a pinecone and wreathed with tendrils of vine or ivy; his attendant panther is shown at his feet. Liber was one of the guardian deities of Lepcis Magna, the birthplace of Septimius Severus, so it was highly appropriate to accord him the title of Pater (Father).
Estimated Value $9,000 - 12,000.
The Hunter Collection.
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| Realized $28,750 |
