Denarius - Severus Alexander P M TR P X COS III P P; Sol
231 year| Silver | 2.6 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 231 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.6 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279099 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, nude except cloak over left shoulder, walking left, holding whip in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P X COS III P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Decima, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the tenth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Denarius - Severus Alexander coin is that it features an image of the Roman god Sol on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the Severan dynasty. Sol was the god of the sun and was often depicted driving a chariot of four horses, as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Sol on the coinage of Severus Alexander may have been a way to emphasize the emperor's connection to the divine and to promote the idea of the Roman Empire as a powerful and eternal entity, much like the sun itself.
