A New Sestertius of Severus Alexander

Aethelred · June 18, 2016 3:33AM

The following coin was waiting for me at my PO Box today. It is a bronze Sestertius of Severus Alexander who was emperor of Rome from AD 222-235. This particular example was issued at the Rome Mint in AD 230. The reverse shows the emperor holding a globe and spear and although it is not altogether obvious from this example, his foot is resting on a helmet.

It is somewhat ironic that Severus Alexander would be depicted in a military setting. He certainly needed to project an image of himself as being in command of his legions given both the internal and external problems facing Rome in this troubled century, however if there was ever an emperor less interested in military matters than Severus, his name is hard to think of.

As much as he might have wished to relax in Rome and enjoy all that came along with being emperor, the circumstances of his time would not allow it and he was forced to lead his troops into the field. The image presented on this coin and the image the real Alexander offered his legions were in stark contrast, he was dominated by an overbearing mother who not only followed him into the field, but directed operations. In addition he showed neither interest nor skill in a military who were rapidly viewing the emperor with contempt. In AD 235 Alexander, wishing to avoid a fight offered to pay tribute to a hostile Germanic tribe to get them to leave (and avoid battle). His troops revolted, entered his tent and assassinated the 26 year old emperor and his mother.

This coin is listed as SR-8024 and in RIC it is Vol. 4.2 627