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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 668

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 668. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Severus Alexander. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Julia Mamaea, diademed, draped, right, with the legend IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA.

The reverse shows fecunditas, draped, standing left, holding cornucopiae in right hand and extending left hand to child, with the legend FECVNDITAS AVGVSTAE S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
17
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

Having succeeded his cousin Elagabalus, he governed Rome alongside his mother, Julia Avita Mamaea. His thirteen-year reign witnessed military threats from the Sassanid Empire and Germanic tribes before ending in March 235 AD, when both Alexander and his mother were assassinated following army dissatisfaction with his diplomatic policies.

Struck at the Rome mint under the imperial authority of Severus Alexander, this bronze sestertius features Julia Mamaea with the obverse inscription "IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius functioned as a denomination useful for commerce, historically valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses. The reverse bears the inscription "FECVNDITAS AVGVSTAE S C" and depicts Fecunditas holding a cornucopiae while extending her hand toward a child.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julia Mamaea, diademed, draped, right
Reverse
Fecunditas, draped, standing left, holding cornucopiae in right hand and extending left hand to child
Obverse legend
IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
FECVNDITAS AVGVSTAE S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 668
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
FECVNDITAS AVGVSTAE 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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