116: Rome. Septimius Severus, 193-211 AD. Gold Aureus - eBay 

 Closed at:US $38,000.00

 Rome. Septimius Severus, 193-211 AD. Gold Aureus (7.13 g), 
 Rome mint, struck 193 AD. Laureate head of Septimius Severus 
 right. Reverse: Legionary eagle between two standards, the 
 standards each with wreath and two insignias, plus forepart of 
 Capricorn at side: LEG X IIII GEM M V; TR P COS in exergue. 
 RIC 14; C. 271; BMCRE 18, and pl. 5, 12 (same dies); cf. 
 Fr-381. Finely styled portrait, well centered on broad flan. 
 Very rare. NGC graded Choice About Uncirculated. 

This image of Severus is among the earliest of his coin portraits. 
The idealized likeness with the features of his asassinated 
predecessor, Pertinax may be a deliberate device to portray himself 
as a relation and heir, and thus the legitimate successor to Pertinax. 

 Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,500. 
 From the Karnak Hoard; ex Commissioner H.G. Gutekunst, J. 
 Hirsch Auc. XXXIV, May 5, 1914, lot no. 1250; ex C.S. Bement 
 Collection, Naville & Cie, Auc. VIII, June 1924, lot 1159. 

Images & text re-used by permission, courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers, Beverly Hills, CA