The Arch of Septimius Severus

323, Lot: 379. Estimate $500. Sold for $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Septimius Severus. AD 193-211. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.52 g, 1h). Rome mint. Struck AD 203. Laureate head right / Arch of Septimius Severus: arch consisting of large central bay and two smaller flanking bays divided by composite columns; attic surmounted by statues of Septimius in a chariot drawn by six horses, flanked by figures of Caracalla and Geta on horseback. RIC IV 259; RSC 104. VF, lightly toned, porosity. Rare.

The Arch of Septimius Severus still stands today in the northwest end of the Roman Forum, although this type provides us with the only glimpse of the now-lost attic statuary. The arch was erected in AD 203 to commemorate Septimius’ victories over the Parthians.