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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 657

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 657. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Orbiana, diademed, draped, right, with the legend SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG.

The reverse shows severus Alexander, standing right, togate, holding scroll in left hand and clasping right hands with Orbiana, standing left, with the legend CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM S C. The obverse shows bust of Orbiana, diademed, draped, right, with the legend SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG. The reverse shows severus Alexander, standing right, togate, holding scroll in left hand and clasping right hands with Orbiana, standing left, with the legend CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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, having succeeded his cousin Elagabalus as the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. In late 225, at around sixteen years of age, he married Gnaea Seia Herennia Sallustia Barbia Orbiana, known as Sallustia Orbiana, who held the title of Augusta. Her marriage to the emperor was short-lived; possibly falling victim to the jealousy of his mother, Julia Mamaea, Orbiana was divorced and exiled to Libya in 227. This large brass sestertius, minted in Rome, reflects the imperial union of Severus Alexander and Orbiana during her brief tenure as empress.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Bust of Orbiana, diademed, draped, right
Reverse
Severus Alexander, standing right, togate, holding scroll in left hand and clasping right hands with Orbiana, standing left
Obverse legend
SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG
Reverse legend
CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 657
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG
Reverse legend to match
CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM 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. 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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