SESTERTIUS OF ALEXANDER SEVERUS
Numismatics
SESTERTIUS OF ALEXANDER SEVERUS
Bronze.
Diameter: 3.05 cm. Thickness: 0.39 cm.
Roman period. 231-235 A.D
Origin
Municipal boundaries of Jerez de la Frontera. Cádiz.
Description
The obverse shows the imperial diadem bust facing to the right. Around it is the inscription IMP(erator) ALEXANDER PIUS AUG(ustus). The reverse depicts the god Mars in an attack stance, armed with a spear and shield and covered by a feathered chimera. Around it reads MARS ULTOR (Mars the Avenger). At the bottom S. C. (Senatus Consultus) is inscribed. The sestertius was a fractional coin in copper or bronze, equivalent to a quarter of a silver denarium. Alexander Severus, the emperor under whose government this coin was minted, ruled the Empire for thirteen years between 222 and 235 and was the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. The period known as “Military Anarchy” began after the end of his reign.
Bibliography
- González, R.; Barrionuevo, F. y Aguilar, L. (1997): Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Jerez de la Frontera. 'Municipal Archaeological Museum of Jerez de la Frontera' Ayuntamiento de Jerez, p. 94.
