RIC IV Severus Alexander 346
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Severus Alexander 346. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Julia Mamaea, diademed, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA MAMAEA AVG.
The reverse shows pietas, veiled, draped, standing left beside lighted altar, raising right hand and holding incense-box in left hand, with the legend PIETAS AVGVSTAE.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 5
- 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, reigning as the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. Having succeeded his cousin Elagabalus at the age of 13, his mother, Julia Avita Mamaea, was closely associated with his rule, leading to him being nicknamed Mamaeas. Both Alexander and his mother were ultimately assassinated in March 235 AD during a military conspiracy.
This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Rome under the authority of Severus Alexander. The denarius served as the standard Roman silver coin from circa 211 BC until its gradual replacement during the reign of Gordian III. The issue honours the emperor's mother, naming her in the obverse legend "IVLIA MAMAEA AVG". The reverse depicts Pietas standing beside a lighted altar, raising her right hand and holding an incense-box, accompanied by the legend "PIETAS AVGVSTAE".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Denarius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Severus Alexander
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Julia Mamaea, diademed, draped, right
- Reverse
- Pietas, veiled, draped, standing left beside lighted altar, raising right hand and holding incense-box in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IVLIA MAMAEA AVG
- Reverse legend
- PIETAS AVGVSTAE
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Severus Alexander 346
- Denomination and metal
- Denarius, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IVLIA MAMAEA AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- PIETAS AVGVSTAE
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.4.sa.346
Research required
- Editorial verification required.
- Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
- Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.