© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)
© 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 | 2.5 g | 18.5 mm |
| 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 | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279055 |
|---|---|
| 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 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
Mass varies: 2.31–2.695 g;Diameter varies: 17–19.3 mm;
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 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.
