Severus Alexander Coin – Bronze Sestertius Rome AD 232

Description

Heading: Severus Alexander coin – Bronze Sestertius AD232

Denomination: Sestertius (copper alloy)

Period: Roman imperial

Date: AD 232

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: EF/AEF

Obverse: Laureate bust. right. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG

Reverse: Providentia standing holding wheat stalks over modius and cornucopia in left arm. S-C either side. PROVIDENTIA AVG (in this case Providentia is used to celebrate Severus’ foresight resulting in a good harvest)

Size and Weight: 22.21g. 31mm

References: RIC IV 642. S8014

Features and Provenance: Severus Alexander was the last of the Severan dynasty. He wasthe heir to Elagabalus and came to the throne at the age of just 14. He reigned over the Roman empire from AD 222- 235. Being so young. he was greatly influenced by his mother. Julia Mamaea and his grandmother. Julia Maesa. He knew nothing of the ways of war but the army gradually came to accept him as a man of virtue and moderate behaviour. so very different from his predecessor. He did much to improve the morals and conditions of the people; encouraging science. art and literature. and fiscally. he increased the fineness of the denarius to a silver content of 50.5% from the previous 43% . After three marriages during his 13 years. he was assassinated by insubordinate troops he was reprimanding.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible