© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Severus Alexander P M TR P VIIII COS III P P S C; Sol
230 year| Bronze | 20.4 g | 30.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 230 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 20.4 g |
| Diameter | 30.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279611 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, head left, standing right, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P VIIII COS III P P S C
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Nona, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the ninth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 16.6–30.57 g;Diameter varies: 28–35 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman god Sol on the reverse, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Severus Alexander. Sol was the god of the sun and was often depicted driving a chariot across the sky, as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Sol on the coinage of Severus Alexander may have been a way to emphasize the emperor's connection to the divine and to promote the idea of the Roman Empire as a powerful and eternal entity, much like the sun itself.
