Minting coins stamped with the sitting Roman emperor was a practice that began during the reign of Julius Caesar. A couple hundred years later, Septimius Severus was in highest command. We came across this little piece of history with his regnal visage and gave him a new seat in a custom-made, high polish 18K yellow gold frame. It features the emperor’s name and dates in hand engraved script.

Septimius Severus (b. 145) was Roman emperor from 193-211 CE. He is considered the first “provincial” Roman emperor, as he was born in present day Libya (at the time a Roman province) as opposed to Italy. After years in the Roman senate and then as governor of various regions within the empire, Severus became emperor in 193 CE. He was victorious at the conclusion of the “Year of the Five Emperors,” a bloody political conflict in which five men fought for Rome’s highest seat. Severus heavily favored the military and led conquests in Africa and then Britain, where he perished in 211 CE. His body was returned to Rome, where he was buried with legendary emperor Hadrian in his mausoleum, in what is today known as the Castel Sant'Angelo.

The coin is in good ancient condition and the frame is in excellent modern condition. The pendant measures 3/4" in diameter. A variety of gold chains are available separately for purchase.