On July 10th, 221 AD, Severus Alexander (at the time name Bassianus Alexianus) was adopted and given the title Caesar by his cousin the Emperor Elagabalus in an attempt to help quiet opposition to Elagabalus and to appease his grandmother (Julia Maesa) and aunt (Julia Mamaea).  Severus Alexander's name changed with the adoption to Marcus Aurelius Alexander.

Three different imperial silver / gold coins comprising two different styles were minted with Severus Alexander displayed as Caesar.  The first style was done in both an Aureus and a Denarius.  The coin has Severus Alexander head right, bare bust draped with the legend M AVR ALEXANDER CAES.  The reverse has Spes walking left, holding a flower and raising her skirt.  This coin is referenced as RSC 65, BMC 264-265, and RIC 2.  Here is a denarius example of this coin.  3.00 grams, Axis 6 o'clock.

The second style only done as a denarius shows the obverse of Severus Alexander bare headed, bust right, draped with the same legend of M AVR ALEXANDER CAES.  The reverse shows the priestly emblems of the lituus, knife, sacrificial jug, simpulum and sprinkler with the legend of PIETAS AVG.  A lituus is a short curving staff, hooked at the end.  A simpulum is a ladle made of earthenware.  This coins is referenced as RSC 198, BMC 266-267, and RIC 3.  An example of this coin.  2.79 grams, Axis 6 o'clock.

With Elagabalus's obsession with the world of the priests, it isn't surprising that one of the coins would have priestly objects on it.  It was because of Elagabalus's strange obsessions along with a variety of other factors that Elagabalus would would soon be replaced as emperor.  The exact series of steps that led to Elagabalus's demise and Severus Alexander's rise will be covered later on another page.

There are also a variety of imperial minted bronzes for Severus Alexander as Caesar.  According to RIC, there are four (4) Ases and two (2) Sesterti.  

In addition there were various provincial coins struck during the reign of Elagabulus celebrating Severus Alexander being adopted and granted the title of Caesar. 

Below is a billion tetradrachm from Roman Egypt, Year 5 (221- 222 AD).  Ob. Bare headed draped bust (as Caesar).  Rev. Head of Zeus Ammon right with ram's horn, wears headdress of horns and disk  Ref. Koln 2394, BMC 1581, Datt 4249, Milne 2853, Curtis 1037. 12.97 grams, axis 12 o'clock.