Septimius Severus emerged as the victor during the chaotic Year of the Five Emperors, in which several men fought to hold imperial power. After eliminating the two rival claimants, Severus maintained an intensely militaristic rule. In attempts to legitimize himself, he associated himself with the Antonine dynasty, changing the names of family members to reflect this, and even had himself declared the adopted son of Marcus Aurelius long after Aurelius’ death. Further, he styled his portraits after the Antonine model, with thick, curly hair and beard. The reverse of the coin celebrates Severus’ fifth congiarium, a presentation wherein the emperor distributed money to the populace. KHK.