Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Severus Alexander 679

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Severus Alexander 679. 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 felicitas, draped, seated left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend FELICITAS PVBLICA S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
14
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 murdered cousin Elagabalus at the age of thirteen, he governed alongside his mother, Julia Avita Mamaea. His thirteen-year administration was marked by military confrontations against the Sassanid Empire and Germanic tribes, concluding with the assassination of both the emperor and his mother in March 235 AD.

Struck at the mint of Rome under the authority of Severus Alexander, this bronze sestertius honours Julia Mamaea. The obverse features her bust alongside the legend "IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA". The reverse depicts Felicitas seated with a caduceus and cornucopiae, inscribed with "FELICITAS PVBLICA S C". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius functioned within daily commerce as a denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Severus Alexander

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julia Mamaea, diademed, draped, right
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, seated left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
FELICITAS PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Severus Alexander 679
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA MAMAEA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
FELICITAS 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

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