© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Severus Alexander SPES PVBLICA; Spes
| Silver | 3.2 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 | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279308 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
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: 2.34–3.75 g;Diameter varies: 19–21.5 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 (SPES PVBLICA; Spes) coin is that it features the goddess Spes (which means "hope" in Latin) on the reverse side, which was a common motif in Roman coinage during the Severan dynasty. The image of Spes was meant to symbolize the hope for a prosperous and peaceful reign under Emperor Severus Alexander.
