Severus Alexander, Bronze Sestertius

Severus Alexander (222-235 AD), bronze Sestertius, Rome mint, special emission, 229 AD, IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery, rev. PM TRP VIII COS III P P, Alexander standing in and driving triumphal quadriga right, holding reins and eagle-tipped sceptre, 21.19g, 12h (RIC IV 495; BMCRE 575-6; Banti 93). Good very fine and rare one year type.

Struck at the Rome mint in 229 AD, this impressive sestertius of Severus Alexander belongs to a special emission issued during the emperors eighth tribunician year and third consulship. The coin presents a particularly striking combination of imperial portraiture and triumphal imagery, characteristic of the political messaging of the Roman Empire.

The obverse features a laureate bust of Severus Alexander facing right, shown with slight drapery over the shoulder. His reign began when he was only thirteen years old, following the assassination of his cousin Elagabalus in 222 AD. Initially governed under the strong influence of his mother, Julia Mamaea, Alexander was presented as a more traditional and restrained ruler, in contrast to his predecessor. His coinage consequently placed considerable emphasis on military success, imperial virtue and the restoration of traditional Roman values.

The reverse is especially impressive, depicting Alexander himself standing in and driving a triumphal quadriga to the right. He holds the reins in one hand and an eagle-tipped sceptre in the other, combining the imagery of military victory with the authority of Jupiter and the Roman state. The triumphal quadriga was one of the most prestigious symbols available on Roman coinage, traditionally associated with the emperors victorious return and public celebration.

This particular type is notably desirable because it was struck only in 229 AD, making it a one-year type. Its rarity is further enhanced by the exceptional reverse design, which gives the coin considerable historical and artistic appeal.

The obverse inscription IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG translates to "Emperor Severus Alexander Augustus."

The reverse inscription PM TRP VIII COS III P P translates to "High Priest, holder of tribunician power for the 8th time, consul for the 3rd time, father of the nation."