Ancient Gold Coin Survives The Year of Five Emperors and At Least 1,800 Years In Virtually Perfect Condition

Ancient Greek and Roman coins are intriguing to even those who would not call themselves a numismatist. Heritage Auctions will be offering a particularly special Roman Aureus in the ANA World Coin Auction #3085. This is a gold coin minted between 193 and 211 AD under the ruler Septimius Severus.

Despite being over 1,800 years old, this aureus survived in virtually perfect condition. This piece received top marks from NGC grading service, who assigned it a Choice Mint State Grade with 5 out of 5 for both Strike and Surface, as well as the Fine Style designation for artistic quality.

This beautiful coin may not show any signs of strain, but Septimius Severus did not exactly have a smooth transition as he came to power. The coin's beautiful surfaces do not reveal the drama of his early days in power. He seized power after the death of Emperor Pertinax in 193 AD during the famous "Year of Five Emperors"--a time when five men claimed the title of Roman Emperor during the same year and battled it out during a period of civil war.

Severus killed one of his rivals, Didius Julianus, and was declared ruler by the Senate. The unrest did not end there, however--Septimius Severus still had to deal with another claimant to the throne, Pescennius Niger. He allied with another suspected rival, Clodius Albinus, to fight against Niger and retain power.

Out of this chaos, Septimius Severus eventually emerged as successful. He then went on to have a fairly long period in power, ending with his death in 211 AD. During this time, he produced many coins including the especially beautiful gold Aureus that is up for bid here.

Given this coin's quality, it would not just be appealing to devoted collectors of ancient Roman coins. This sort of museum-quality piece survived in such beautiful condition that it would be appealing to collectors who simply seek out the very best pieces or who are students of history. Check it out here:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-imperial/septimius-severus-ad-193-211-av-aureus-20mm-734-gm-6h-ngc-choice-ms-5-5-5-5-fine-style/p/3085-95006.s