© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Severus Alexander P M TR P V COS II P P; Mars
226 year| Silver | 2.7 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 226 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.7 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279023 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, walking right, carrying spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P V COS II P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quinta, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the fifth time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 1.25–3.75 g;Diameter varies: 17.5–20.5 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare representation of the Roman god of war, Mars, on the reverse side, which is unusual for a denarius coin. Typically, denarii featured images of the Roman emperors or other deities. The inclusion of Mars on this coin may indicate that Severus Alexander, the emperor depicted on the obverse, was particularly interested in promoting the god of war or had a significant military victory during his reign.
