Assarion - Septimus Severus IVL AVG COL PARLAIS

Historical Context: This Assarion, issued by the Roman colony of Parlais in Pisidia between 193 and 211 AD, belongs to the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. Following the turbulent Year of the Five Emperors, Severus consolidated power, establishing the Severan Dynasty. Provincial bronze coinage like this was vital for local economies, facilitating daily transactions. The inscription "IVL AVG COL PARLAIS" proudly proclaims Parlais's status as a Julian Augustan Colony, underscoring its loyalty and integration into the Roman imperial system, reflecting Roman authority's widespread influence in distant provinces.

Artistry: The obverse of this coin would feature a portrait of Septimius Severus, characteristic of provincial workshops in Asia Minor during the Severan period. While specific engravers are unrecorded, the stylistic school typically blended imperial iconography with local artistic interpretations, often resulting in robust, if sometimes less refined, depictions. The design served to disseminate the emperor's image and propaganda, reinforcing imperial presence and authority across the vast Roman Empire. The legends are a key part of the design, identifying both the ruler and the issuing authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this Assarion weighs 4.81 grams and measures 22 millimeters, consistent with the denomination. Provincial bronzes frequently exhibit variability in strike quality, including occasional off-center strikes or irregular flans. Key high-points for wear assessment on the obverse would typically include the emperor's hair, ear, and nose. The overall technical execution reflects the practical demands of a provincial mint, prioritizing production for local circulation over the meticulous precision often seen in imperial issues.