Sestertius - Severus Alexander SALVS PVBLICA S C; Salus
| Bronze | 17.5 g | 31 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 222-231 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 17.5 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279756 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, seated left, feeding snake coiled round altar.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVS PVBLICA S C
Translation:
Salus Publica. Senatus Consultum.
Public health. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 17.26–17.68 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Salus, the Roman goddess of safety and well-being, on its reverse side. This is fitting, given the coin's name, Sestertius, which means "a coin worth one-fourth of a denarius" in Latin. The inclusion of Salus on the coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of safety and prosperity during the reign of Severus Alexander.
