Septimius AE Severus As (Arched Bridge, RIC IV 786b)

SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS, AD 193-211
AE As (25.59, 9.08g, 12h)
Struck AD 208. Rome mint
Obverse: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate bust of Septimius Severus right, with aegis on left shoulder
Reverse: P M TR P XVI COS III P P S C, bridge of single curved span, flanked by triple triumphal arches surmounted by statuary, five figures crossing bridge, boat in river below
References: RIC IV 786b (R2), RCV 6472

Corroded surfaces. A very rare type. The exact identity of the bridge pictured is uncertain, but theories include a military bridge built over the Firth of Forth during Severus's Caledonian campaign, the Milvian Bridge north of Rome, or some other bridge in Rome.

Collection : Roman Imperial - the Severan Era