Rare denarius to commemorate the launch of Septimius Severus' campaign in 197 against the Parthians.
Roman Imperial
Septimius Severus (193-211), Denarius 197, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate head right
L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII
Reverse: Emperor holding transverse spear and riding horse walking to right
PROFECTIO AVG
Weight 2,90 g.
This type of denarius appeared in Rome in 197 AD, on the occasion of the departure of Rome by the Emperor (PROFECTIO AVG), who started a military campaign against the Parthians. However, the style of this reverse leaves no doubt that it is in fact Laodicean minted denarius (BMC 466). The Roman army crossed Syria in 197 AD in the company of its Emperor and certainly brought these types of Roman coins that served as prototypes for engravers in Laodicea. It is likely that Septimius Severus passed through Laodicea on his journey. This emission could also have been issued on the occasion of the departure of Laodicea by Septimius Severus and his army.
