Obverse © American Numismatic Society (ANS) – Reverse © PéPé Jo
Obverse © American Numismatic Society (ANS) – Reverse © PéPé Jo
Denarius - Severus Alexander SPES PVBLICA; Spes
| Silver | 2.9 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 231-235 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.9 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279307 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SPES PVBLICA
Translation:
Spes Publica.
Hope of the public.
Comment
Mass varies: 1.91–3.351 g;Diameter varies: 18–21.5 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The obverse of the coin features an image of the Roman goddess Spes (which means "hope" in Latin), who is depicted standing and holding a flower in her right hand. This image was chosen to symbolize the hope and optimism that the Roman Empire had in their new emperor, Severus Alexander, who was only 14 years old when he ascended to the throne. Despite his young age, Alexander proved to be a capable and effective leader, and his reign marked a period of relative peace and prosperity for the Roman Empire.
