Denarius - Severus Alexander (VIRTVS AVG; Romulus) (228-231) front Denarius - Severus Alexander (VIRTVS AVG; Romulus) (228-231) back
Denarius - Severus Alexander (VIRTVS AVG; Romulus) (228-231) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Denarius - Severus Alexander VIRTVS AVG; Romulus

 
Silver 3.1 g 19.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
228-231
Value
Denarius (½)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.1 g
Diameter
19.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279262
Rarity index
93%

Reverse

Severus Alexander (dressed as Romulus?), bare-headed, walking right, carrying spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VIRTVS AVG

Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.81–3.56 g;
Diameter varies: 18.5–20.41 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 an image of Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, on the reverse side, which symbolizes the connection between the Roman Empire and its mythical origins.