© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Severus Alexander P M TR P XIII COS III P P S C; Sol
234 year| Bronze | 19.9 g | 29.5 mm |
| 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 | 19.9 g |
| Diameter | 29.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279664 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
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: 16.75–24.82 g;Diameter varies: 28–32 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 side, 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 eternal entity.
