Sestertius - Severus Alexander P M TR P VIII COS III P P S C; Sol
229 year| Bronze | - | - |
| 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 |
| Numista | N#279594 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, standing right, raising right hand and holding globe 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
One interesting fact about the Sestertius - Severus Alexander coin is that it features a unique combination of imagery and inscriptions that provide insight into the political and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD. The obverse side of the coin depicts a portrait of Emperor Severus Alexander, while the reverse side shows a personification of the Sun god, Sol, standing on a globe and holding a radiate crown, surrounded by the inscription "P M TR P VIII COS III P P S C" which stands for "Pater Mundi, Tribunicia Potestate, Pater Patriae, Consul III, Pater Senatus, Consulari Potestate" (Father of the World, Tribunician Power, Father of the Fatherland, Consul III, Father of the Senate, Consular Power). This combination of imperial and divine imagery reflects the blending of pagan and Christian beliefs during this period, as the Roman Empire transitioned from a polytheistic to a monotheistic society.