RIC IV Severus Alexander 4
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Severus Alexander 4. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Severus Alexander, larueate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG.
The reverse shows jupiter, cloak behind and over right arm, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend P M TR P COS 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, born Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander, ruled as Roman emperor from 222 to 235 AD. Succeeded by Maximinus Thrax, he was the last emperor belonging to the Severan dynasty. Having become the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire at the age of 13 after the death of his cousin Elagabalus, Alexander’s thirteen-year reign was the longest for a sole emperor since Antoninus Pius.
The obverse features the bust of Severus Alexander accompanied by the title "IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG". The reverse depicts Jupiter holding a thunderbolt and sceptre, paired with the legend "P M TR P COS P P".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Aureus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Severus Alexander
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Severus Alexander, larueate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Jupiter, cloak behind and over right arm, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
- Reverse legend
- P M TR P COS P P
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Severus Alexander 4
- Denomination and metal
- Aureus, Gold
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- P M TR P COS 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
- RIC / OCREric.4.sa.4
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.