© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Severus Alexander PONTIF MAX TR P II COS P P S C; Providentia
223 year| Bronze | 21.3 g | 31 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 223 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 21.3 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279484 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe and cornucopiae; leaning on column with left arm.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PONTIF MAX TR P II COS P P S C
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Secunda, Consul, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the second time, consul, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 18.71–23.1 g;Diameter varies: 30–31.68 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin features an image of Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight and provision, on its reverse side. This is significant because Providentia was a prominent deity during the reign of Severus Alexander, and her image on the coin reflects the emperor's efforts to promote her cult and reinforce the idea of divine providence in the Roman Empire.
