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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 503

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 503. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped over left shoulder, right, with the legend IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG.

The reverse shows sol, radiate, head left, standing right, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand, with the legend P M TR P VIIII COS III P P S C.

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

He ascended the throne at the age of 13 after the murder of his cousin Elagabalus, becoming the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. His thirteen-year reign proved peaceful and prosperous internally, though it later faced foreign pressures from both the Sassanid Empire and Germanic tribes.

Struck at the Rome mint, this sestertius represents an imperial coin denomination that circulated as a large brass piece during the Roman Empire, originally valued at one quarter of a denarius and useful for commerce. The obverse depicts Severus Alexander alongside the legend IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG. The reverse design features the radiate figure of Sol, shown standing, raising his right hand, and holding a globe, accompanied by the inscription P M TR P VIIII COS III P P S C.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped over left shoulder, right
Reverse
Sol, radiate, head left, standing right, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P VIIII COS III P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 503
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P VIIII COS III P P S C
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

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.
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