As in modern times, major events in ancient history were represented on coins. During the reign of Severus Alexander, various coins were struck to commemorate important events. The following is a list of some of the major events that had coins struck for them and where possible examples of those coins. Coins are listed by RIC numbers.
 |
Proclamation as Caesar in 221 AD
(Den. 3,As 386 ; Ses. 383) |
Denarius, RIC 3. Ob. Severus Alexander bare headed, M AVR ALEXANDER CAES.
Rev. Priestly emblems with PIETAS AVG.
|
Accession to the throne (Augustus) in 222 AD (Aur. 16,147,149,150, Den. 17,148; Ses. 564, 566; Dup. 565) |
Denarius, RIC 148. Ob. Laureate draped bust with IMP CM AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG,
Rev. Liberalitas standing left holding abacus and cornucopiae with LIBERALITAS AVG.
|
Funeral and consecration of Julia Maesa in
223 - 225 AD (Den. 377-379,
Ses. 712-714) |
Denarius, RIC 378. Ob. Draped bust right, Rev. Maesa, veiled and holding sceptre, seated left on peacock flying upward to the right.
| Marriage to Orbiana in 225 (All coins with Orbiana on them) |
Denarius, RIC 319, Ob. Orbiana diademed bust with SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG,
Rev. Concordia seated on throne, holding patera & cornucopiae with CONCORDIA AVGG.
|
Departs for the Persian War in 231 AD (Den. 210, As 595, Ses. 544,
596, 640) |
Sestertius, RIC 596, Ob. Laureate slight draped bust with IMPSEVALEXANDERAVG Rev. Emperor on horseback right preceded by Victory.
|
Victory and Triumph in Persian War
in 233 (Au. 121, 217, 260, Den.
218-219,261, |
Denarius, RIC 219. Ob. Laureate bust with IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG.
Rev. Victory standing with foot on helmet writing VOTX on a shield with VICTORIA AVGVSTI as legend.
Sestertius, RIC 616b, Ob. Laureate bust with IMP SEV ALEX AVG.
Rev. Victory standing with foot on helmet writing VOTX on a shield with VICTORIA AVGVSTI as legend, SC on side.
Information
from Roman Historical Coins by Clive Foss and RIC.
