Roman Empire, Septimius Severus with Julia Domna, Caracalla and Geta as Caesar (193-211 AD), Gold Aureus, Rome Mint, AD 202, Obv: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right with Roman legend “SEVER P AVG P M TR P X COS III” around the field, Rev: forward facing bust of Julia Domna, draped and flanked by profile busts of Caracalla to the right and Geta to the left, Roman legend "FELICITAS / SAECVLI" (The Happiness of the Age) around the field, 6.96g, 19.45mm, (RIC IV # 181b/100 Greatest Ancient Coins # 86), about fine, Exceedingly Rare.

Note: The Severan dynasty of Rome was founded by the “African Emperor”, so called in honor of his campaigns into the African heartland, Septimius Severus. Severus deposed of his unpopular predecessor, Didius Julianus, with the help of the emperor’s Praetorian Guard and established himself on the throne through the senate’s popular vote. He was succeeded by his son Caracalla who co-ruled the empire with his brother, Geta, during the last few years of his reign.

Severus’ coinage is remarkable for the striking of several series depicting various members of his family juxtaposed in various combinations. This coin is particularly charming with its group portrait of his wife, Julia Domna, and the adolescent would-be emperors on the reverse. These aurei were issued between the years 201 to 202 C.E. 202 C.E. was a important year for the Severan household with Septimius celebrating his decenalia with the citizens of Rome and Caracalla being married Fulvia Plautilla, the daughter of the Praetorian Guard’s commander Gaius Fulvius Plautanius, It may be assumed that these coins were distributed at these events.