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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 102a

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 102a. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Severus Alexander, laureate, right, with the legend IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG.

The reverse shows sol, radiate, nude except cloak over shoulders, standing right, head left, raising right hand and holding globe in left, with the legend P M TR P VIIII COS III P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Severus Alexander was Roman emperor from 222 until 235 AD, representing the final ruler of the Severan dynasty. He succeeded his slain cousin Elagabalus at the age of 13. During his thirteen-year reign, Rome confronted military threats from both the Sassanid Empire and Germanic tribes. His reliance on diplomacy and bribery against the Germanic tribes alienated elements of the Roman army, culminating in his assassination in March 235 AD.

Struck at Rome, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse features the laureate head of Severus Alexander with the legend "IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG". The reverse depicts the radiate deity Sol holding a globe and raising his right hand, accompanied by the inscription "P M TR P VIIII COS III P P".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Head of Severus Alexander, laureate, right
Reverse
Sol, radiate, nude except cloak over shoulders, standing right, head left, raising right hand and holding globe in left
Obverse legend
IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P VIIII COS III P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 102a
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P VIIII COS III P P
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC IV Severus Alexander 101a

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
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