Denarius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VII COS II P P; Mars) (228) front Denarius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VII COS II P P; Mars) (228) back
Denarius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VII COS II P P; Mars) (228) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Denarius - Severus Alexander P M TR P VII COS II P P; Mars

228 year
Silver 2.7 g 18 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
228
Value
Denarius (½)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.7 g
Diameter
18 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279048
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, holding spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield, resting on ground at side.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P VII COS II P P

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Septima, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the seventh time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.

Comment

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of the Roman god Mars on the reverse side, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Severus Alexander. Mars was considered a symbol of military power and strength, and his presence on the coin may have been intended to emphasize the emperor's role as a military leader and protector of the empire.