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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 601

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 601. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Severus Alexander, radiate, with aegis?, right, with the legend IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG?.

The reverse shows severus Alexander, in military attire, extending right hand and holding sceptre in left hand, with the legend RESTITVTOR MON 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

Severus Alexander was Roman emperor from 222 until 235 AD, the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. Succeeding his slain cousin Elagabalus at the age of thirteen, he became the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. His thirteen-year reign was the longest of a sole emperor since Antoninus Pius, though his rule was ended when he was assassinated alongside his mother during campaigns against Germanic tribes.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze dupondius represents a denomination valued at two asses, or half of a sestertius. Since the reign of Nero, dupondii were customarily distinguished from the similarly sized as by depicting the emperor wearing a radiate crown. On this issue, the radiate obverse is paired with a reverse showing Severus Alexander dressed in military attire, extending his right hand and holding a sceptre, accompanied by the inscription RESTITVTOR MON S C.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Head of Severus Alexander, radiate, with aegis?, right
Reverse
Severus Alexander, in military attire, extending right hand and holding sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG?
Reverse legend
RESTITVTOR MON S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 601
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG?
Reverse legend to match
RESTITVTOR MON 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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