CVC & Collectables presents this silver denarius of Severus Alexander, struck in AD 230 during the later years of his reign. Certified NGC Extremely Fine (XF), this attractive Roman silver issue features a sharp imperial portrait and a reverse depicting Sol, the sun god, symbolizing divine favor, stability, and the enduring power of Rome.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Roman Empire
- Emperor: Severus Alexander (AD 222-235)
- Date: AD 230
- Denomination: Denarius
- Composition: Silver
- Weight: 2.70 grams
- Diameter: 18 mm
- Grade: NGC XF (Extremely Fine)
- References: RIC IV 101; BMCRE 623; RSC 388
- Mint: Rome
Obverse:
- Laureate head of Severus Alexander facing right.
- Legend: IMP SEV ALE-XAND AVG.
- Well-preserved portrait reflecting the refined engraving style of the Severan dynasty.
Reverse:
- Sol standing left, raising his right hand and holding a whip.
- Legend: P M TR P VIIII COS III P P.
- The sun god Sol represents divine protection, renewal, and imperial authority.
Emperor History: Severus Alexander (AD 222-235)
Severus Alexander became emperor at just thirteen years old following the assassination of his cousin, Elagabalus. Guided initially by his mother, Julia Mamaea, he earned a reputation as a moderate and conscientious ruler. His reign focused on restoring stability and good governance, but mounting military challenges weakened imperial authority. In AD 235, Severus Alexander and his mother were murdered by mutinous troops, marking the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, one of the most turbulent periods in Roman history.
Collectibility:
Silver denarii of Severus Alexander remain popular among collectors due to their historical importance, attractive portraiture, and affordability relative to earlier Roman silver issues. Sol reverse types are especially desirable as they foreshadow the increasing prominence of solar imagery in later Roman coinage. Certified XF examples offer excellent detail and strong eye appeal for collectors of Roman imperial silver.
Embark on a journey through time with ancient coins that span from 400 BC to AD 1055 at Chula Vista Coins. Explore a captivating collection of numismatic treasures that offer glimpses into civilizations long past. Uncover the allure of ancient history through this link: Ancient Coins (400 BC – AD 1055).
