Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P XIII COS III P P S C; Sol) (234) front Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P XIII COS III P P S C; Sol) (234) back
Sestertius - Severus Alexander (P M TR P XIII COS III P P S C; Sol) (234) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

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

234 year
Bronze 20.2 g 31 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
234
Value
Sestertius (⅛)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
20.2 g
Diameter
31 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#279663
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Sol, radiate, walking left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand.

Script: Latin

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

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time, consul for the third time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 17.929–22.13 g;
Diameter varies: 29.85–32 mm;

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

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 with a radiant crown and a globe in his hand, symbolizing the power and light of the sun. The inclusion of Sol on this coin 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 enlightened civilization.