Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VIII COS III P P S C; Mars) (229) front Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P VIII COS III P P S C; Mars) (229) back
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Sestertius - Severus Alexander P M TR P VIII COS III P P S C; Mars

229 year
Bronze - -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
229
Value
Sestertius (⅛)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Bronze
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279591
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P VIII COS III P P S C

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Octava, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the eighth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Sestertius coin features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side. This is significant because Severus Alexander, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his military campaigns and conquests, and the inclusion of Mars on the coin may have been a nod to his military prowess. Additionally, the use of Mars on the coin may have been intended to convey the idea of the Roman Empire's military strength and dominance.