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RIC IV Severus Alexander 61

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 61. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, right, with the legend IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted, naked except for flowing cloak, walking right, carrying spear in right hand and trophy in left hand, with the legend P M TR P VI COS II P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 the Roman Empire from 222 until 235 AD as the final emperor of the Severan dynasty. Succeeding his murdered cousin Elagabalus at the age of 13, he became the youngest sole emperor of the united empire.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius formed part of the standard silver coinage of the Roman monetary system, which had functioned since the Second Punic War. The coin carries the obverse legend "IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG" around the laureate and draped bust of the young ruler. The reverse depicts the god Mars walking right while holding a spear and trophy, accompanied by the inscription "P M TR P VI COS II P P", recording the imperial titles and offices held by Alexander.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, naked except for flowing cloak, walking right, carrying spear in right hand and trophy in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P VI COS II P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 61
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P VI COS II 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 45

    Same ruler, denomination and reverse type; reverse legend P M TR P IIII COS P P differs only in dated titles. Consolidated into this entry.

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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