AE17 (Assarion) of Septimius Severus (193-212 CE), Nikopolis ad Istrum, Moesia, Roman Provincial coinage

AY KAI CE CEYHΡOC, laureate head right / NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠΡOC ICTΡO, crescent and one star. 17mm, 3.02 grams. Varbanov 2565; AMNG 1436v; BMC 17.

Septimius Severus was Roman emperor from 193 to 211 AD and the founder of the Severan dynasty. Born in Leptis Magna in North Africa, he rose through the Roman military and political ranks before seizing power during the chaotic “Year of the Five Emperors” in 193 AD. A capable soldier and administrator, Severus strengthened the army, expanded soldiers’ pay and privileges, and campaigned successfully in Parthia and Britain. His reign brought greater military influence into Roman government and helped stabilize the empire after civil war. Before his death at York in Britain in 211 AD, he advised his sons Caracalla and Geta to “live in harmony, enrich the soldiers, and scorn all other men.”