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.
Sestertius, RIC 655, Ob. Orbiana diademed bust r. with SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG,
Rev. Concordia seated on throne, holding patera & cornucopiae with CONCORDIA AVGVSTORVM S.C..
|
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, |
Denarii, 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.
Denarius, RIC 261. Ob. Laureate bust with IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
Rev. VOTIS VICEN NALI BVS within laurel wreath.
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.
