© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Severus Alexander IOVIS PROPVGNATOR S C; Jupiter
| Bronze | 17.6 g | 32 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 | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 17.6 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279796 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Jupiter, walking left, looking back, holding thunderbolt in right hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IOVIS PROPVGNATOR S C
Translation:
Iovis Propugnatori. Senatus Consultum.
To Jupiter, the defender. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 15.9–21 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Jupiter, the Roman god of thunder and lightning, on one side, and an image of the emperor Severus Alexander on the other. This coin was minted during Alexander's reign, which lasted from 231 to 235 AD, and it was used as a standard circulation coin throughout the Roman Empire. The image of Jupiter on the coin was meant to symbolize the emperor's connection to the gods and his role as a divine ruler.
