Roman Denarius with Emperor Septimius Severus/Mars, god of War (193-211 C.E.) | Silver coin pendant with solid 14K gold setting

A soldier-scholar turned emperor, Lucius Septimius Severus carved his legacy in steel and strategy. Rising through the ranks under Marcus Aurelius, he outmaneuvered rivals and crushed rebellion to secure the imperial throne—defeating Julianus, Niger, and Albinus in a storm of civil war. His rule marked the dawn of the Severan dynasty, a turning point in Roman imperial history where military might reigned supreme. This silver denarius, struck during the heart of his reign, bears his laureate bust on the obverse—his visage stern, weathered, and commanding, embodying the calculated strength that earned him the empire. On the reverse stands Mars, god of war, poised with spear and shield, his chlamys flowing from his shoulder. A helmet lies at his feet, echoing the battlefield where Severus staked his claim. More than a symbol, Mars here is an omen—the embodiment of the emperor’s divine right and relentless ambition. Weighing 3.5 grams of ancient silver and set in a handcrafted 14K gold bez