Struck during the formative years of Septimius Severus’ reign, this silver denarius reflects the consolidation of power following civil war. Issued as Severus secured legitimacy after his rise to the throne, the coin emphasizes authority grounded in military command and senatorial recognition.
This piece pairs a dynamic equestrian image with formal titulature, capturing the moment when Severus transformed from contender to established ruler.
The History
This denarius was struck at Emesa during the years immediately following Septimius Severus’ victory in the Roman civil wars. Having defeated rival claimants, Severus sought to legitimize his rule through imagery that emphasized both military leadership and alignment with Roman tradition. The obverse presents a composed imperial portrait, while the reverse shows the emperor mounted on horseback, a visual statement of command and momentum.
The reverse inscription, translating to “the Senate and the Roman People to the best prince,” is notable for its aspirational tone. By adopting this language, Severus positioned himself within the lineage of respected rulers, presenting his authority as sanctioned not only by force but by Rome’s civic institutions. Such messaging was particularly important during the early years of his reign, when stability and acceptance were still being secured.
Coins like this circulated widely as daily currency, embedding these claims of legitimacy into the economic life of the empire. The wear visible today reflects its original role as working money during a decisive moment in Roman history.
What’s Included
The authentic ancient Roman silver denarius shown
Carefully prepared and set as a finished pendant
A sterling silver chain
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Protective packaging suitable for storage or gifting
Documentation describing the coin and its historical context
Coin Details
Silver denarius, Emesa mint, struck AD 194–197
Obverse: Laureate head of Septimius Severus, right. Inscription: IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG COS II
Reverse: Septimius Severus on horseback, moving left. Inscription: S P Q R OPTIM O PRINCIPI
Septimius Severus Silver Denarius, Emesa Mint (AD 194–197)
$675.00
Need help?
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
Shipping Information
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
Customer Support
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
FAQ’s
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
Contact Us
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country - you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us - we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
