Severus’s policy of an expanded and better-rewarded army is criticized by his contemporary Dio Cassius and Herodianus: in particular, they pointed out the increasing burden (in the form of taxes and services) the civilian population had to bear to maintain the new army.

In order to maintain his enlarged military he has debased the Roman currency drastically.

Upon his accession he had decreased the silver purity of the denarius from 81.5% to 78.5%, but the silver weight had actually increased, rising from 2.40 grams to 2.46 grams.

Nevertheless the following year he debased the denarius substantially because of rising military expenditures.

The silver purity decreased from 78.5% to 64.5%—the silver weight dropping from 2.46 grams to 1.98 grams.

In 196 he reduces the purity and silver weight of the denarius again, to 54% and 1.82 grams respectively.

Severus' currency debasement is the largest since the reign of Nero, compromising the long-term strength of the economy.

However, Severus mints a much higher volume of denarii than his predecessors, alleviating some of the negative effects of debasement.