Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VII COS II P P S C; Romulus) (228) front Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VII COS II P P S C; Romulus) (228) back
Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VII COS II P P S C; Romulus) (228) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Severus Alexander P M TR P VII COS II P P S C; Romulus

228 year
Bronze 18.6 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
228
Value
Sestertius (⅛)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
18.6 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279584
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

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

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P VII COS II P P S C

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Septima, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the seventh time, consul for the second time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.

Comment

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 Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, on the reverse side, while the obverse side bears the image of Emperor Severus Alexander. This coin was minted during Alexander's reign (222-235 AD) and is a rare example of a Roman coin that features a mythological figure alongside a real historical figure.