Septimius Severus, 193 – 211.

Aureus 201, AV 20 mm, 7.15 g. SEVERVS AVG – PART MAX Laureate head r. Rev. ANTONINVS – AVGVSTVS Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla r. C 2. BMC –, see 187 note. RIC 157. Calicó 2595 (this coin). Biaggi –.
Of the highest rarity, the finest of only two specimens and the only one in private hands.
Two appealing portraits perfectly struck and centred on a large flan. An almost
invisible mark below bust, otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc

Ex Leu sale 93, 2005, Perfectionist, 54. Privately purchased from J. Vinchon in April 1952.
This coin is illustrated in The Roman Aurei by X. E. Calicó.

Graded AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5 - punch mark, NGC certification n. 6830209-012.

This perfectly centered and struck dynastic aureus of Septimius Severus and his son and heir, Caracalla is extremely rare, being the finest of just two examples known and the only example which is available on the market. Like the dynastic aureus of Julia Domna and her two sons elsewhere in this sale, this coin is also the illustrated specimen of the type in the standard reference on Roman aurei by Calicó. The coin is absolutely stunning, with wonderful portraits of the co-emperors that are sharply struck, perfectly centered on the flan, and incredibly pleasing from an artistic perspective.
This aureus, a dynastic issue that was part of a series of types featuring the portraits of the imperial family in varying combinations, was struck in 201 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the dynasty which began when Septimius Severus elevated his eldest son, Caracalla, to be co-ruler along with him. Additionally, it commemorates Caracalla's elevation to the consulship as well as his marriage to Plautilla, the daughter of the Praetorian Prefect, Plautianus, and it also spreads the idea that the Roman Empire would experience peace and prosperity via the continuation of the Severan dynasty. Thus, it served as a powerful piece of propaganda, one which in the years to come would prove inaccurate as the dynasty fell apart with the death of Caracalla in 217, and the succession of incompetent Severan rulers that followed.