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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 618

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 618. 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 victory, winged, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand, with the legend VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
8
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, becoming the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire at the age of 13 after succeeding his murdered cousin Elagabalus. The last emperor from the Severan dynasty, his thirteen-year rule faced external military threats from the Sassanid Empire and incursions from Germanic tribes, before his assassination in March 235 AD initiated the Crisis of the Third Century.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features an obverse portrait of the emperor alongside the legend "IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a coin useful for commerce, historically valued at one quarter of a denarius. The reverse design depicts a winged, draped Victory holding a wreath and palm branch, accompanied by the inscription "VICTORIA AVGVSTI 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
Victory, winged, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG
Reverse legend
VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 618
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA AVGVSTI 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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