★ Rare Dynastic Issue ★

Septimius Severus, 193-211. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.09 g, 1 h), Rome, 201. SEVERVS PIVS AVG Laureate head of Septimius Severus to right. Rev. AETERNIT IMPERI Confronted busts of Caracalla, on left, laureate, draped and cuirassed, and Geta, on right, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed. BMC -. Cohen 6. RIC 251. Rare. Fine.

From a Swiss collection.

The dynastic issues of Septimius Severus and his family were, ironically, struck to assure the Romans of stability under the Severan Dynasty following the turbulent years of Commodus' reign and the ensuing civil wars. While peace lasted for a while, it was not enduring, with unrest occurring shortly after the death of Caracalla in 217 when Elagabalus opposed Macrinus, then again after the assassination of Severus Alexander and his mother, Julia Mamaea. The latter, of course, was the beginning of what has become known as the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of Roman history when the Empire was ruled by a great succession of military emperors, many ephemeral, and most only ascending the throne once they had assassinated their predecessor, only to be assassinated themselves a short time later.