Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P X COS III P P S C; Sol) (231) front Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P X COS III P P S C; Sol) (231) back
Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P X COS III P P S C; Sol) (231) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Sestertius - Severus Alexander P M TR P X COS III P P S C; Sol

231 year
Bronze 21.5 g 29.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
231
Value
Sestertius (⅛)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
21.5 g
Diameter
29.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279626
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Sol, radiate, head left, standing front, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand.

Script: Latin

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

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

Comment

Mass varies: 18.16–25.08 g;
Diameter varies: 27–31 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 emperor Severus Alexander, who ruled from 222 to 235 AD, on the obverse (front side), while the reverse (back side) depicts a personification of the sun god Sol, which was a common motif in Roman coinage during this period.