★ Legio XIV Gemina Martia Victrix ★

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS (193-211). Sestertius.Rome. Legionary issue.

Obv: IMP CAES L SEPT SEV PERT AVG.
Laureate head right.
Rev: LEG XIIII GEM M V / S - C / TR P COS.
Aquilla between two signa.

RIC 652.

The name of the legion changed in the course of time. Initially called Gemina Martia, it was recruited by Julius Caesar in 57 BC during the Gallic War, to fight against Belgians and Nervi. Under Nero she earned the honorary title Martia Victrix ('victorious, blessed by Mars') after her successful campaign against Siluri and Ordovici, when she contributed to the defeat of Queen Boudicca at the Battle of Manduessedum. In 193 AD, during the power struggles that followed the assassination of Pertinax, Legio XIV was one of the first to proclaim Septimius Severus emperor, at that time governor of Pannonia, accompanying him after the proclamation at Carnuntum on his descent into Italy. It then took part in his march on Rome against Didius Julianus and later fought in Cilicia against the other pretender to the throne, Pescennius Niger. It can therefore be said that the emperor was particularly attached to this unit, reserving honours for it in abundance and minting several coins in its name.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 18.20 g.
Diameter: 28 mm.