Dynastic Issue
Septimius Severus, with Caracalla and Geta as Caesar. AD 193-211. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.78 g, 8h). Dynastic issue. Rome mint. Struck AD 201-202. SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head of Septimius Severus right / AETERNIT IM[PE]RI, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Caracalla right, facing bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Geta left. RIC IV 251; RSC 6a. Toned, some underlying luster, slightly granular surfaces, hairline flan crack. Good VF. Rare.
Without an heir to take up the throne, the possibility of a civil war erupting after the death of an emperor was an enormous threat to public safety. This rare issue proclaims the continuity – even the eternity – of the dynasty, depicting both of Severus’ heirs.
