© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Severus Alexander P M TR P XI COS III P P; Sol
232 year| Silver | 2.6 g | 19.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 232 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.6 g |
| Diameter | 19.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279107 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, nude except cloak over left shoulder, walking left, holding whip in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XI COS III P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Undecima, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the eleventh time, consul for the third time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.21–3.05 g;Diameter varies: 19–20 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
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.
