Sestertius - Severus Alexander FIDES MILITVM S C; Jupiter and Virtus
| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 222-231 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279689 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Jupiter, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; facing him, Severus Alexander, crowned by Virtus,holding sceptre and sacrificing at tripod; on ground, shield.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES MILITVM S C
Translation:
Fides Militum. Senatus Consultum.
Loyalty of the soldiers. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Sestertius - Severus Alexander coin is that it features a unique combination of imagery and inscriptions that reflect the political and religious values of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Severus Alexander (222-231 AD). The obverse side of the coin depicts a portrait of the emperor, while the reverse side shows Jupiter, the king of the gods, standing next to Virtus, the personification of virtue, with the inscription "FIDES MILITVM" (loyalty of the soldiers) above them. This combination of imagery and inscriptions highlights the importance of military loyalty and the imperial cult during Severus Alexander's reign, and serves as a representation of the emperor's efforts to maintain stability and legitimacy in the empire.
