Denarius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VIII COS III P P; Mars) (229) front Denarius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VIII COS III P P; Mars) (229) back
Denarius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VIII COS III P P; Mars) (229) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Denarius - Severus Alexander P M TR P VIII COS III P P; Mars

229 year
Silver 2.6 g 18.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
229
Value
Denarius (½)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.6 g
Diameter
18.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279065
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, standing right, holding spear reversed in right hand and resting left hand on shield.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P VIII COS III P P

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Octava, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the eighth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation.

Comment

Mass varies: 1.9–3.19 g;
Diameter varies: 18–20 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 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.