Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 648b

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 648b. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped over left shoulder, right, with the legend IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand, with the legend SPES PVBLICA S C.

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 served as Roman emperor from 222 until 235 AD, becoming the final ruler of the Severan dynasty. Succeeding his slain cousin Elagabalus at thirteen years of age, he was the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. His thirteen-year reign was the longest of a sole emperor since Antoninus Pius, eventually ending in March 235 AD with his assassination alongside his mother Julia Avita Mamaea.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius represents a denomination whose value of two and a half asses had been useful for commerce. The coin bears the obverse inscription "IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG" surrounding the emperor's portrait. Its reverse depicts Spes walking while holding a flower and raising her skirt, accompanied by the legend "SPES PVBLICA 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
Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand
Obverse legend
IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
SPES PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 648b
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SPES PVBLICA 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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Severus Alexander 648a

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC IV Severus Alexander 648d

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); 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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference