Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. 18th emission, January–February/March AD 235. Superb EF.

Electronic Auction 547
Lot: 932. Estimated: $ 200

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 450. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AR Denarius (21mm, 2.18 g, 6h). Rome mint. 18th emission, January–February/March AD 235. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Sol, radiate, standing left, raising hand and holding whip. RIC IV 125 var. (no cuirass); BMCRE 962; RSC 453a; CNG E-318, lot 740 (same obv. die). Iridescent toning, underlying luster. Superb EF. Very rare last issue of reign.

From the DSV Collection. Ex Ritter FPL 83 (December 2008), no. 867.

This coin was struck in the last months of Alexander's reign, and is the sole dated type among those of his last issue. Alexander was assassinated by his soldiers while campaigning along the Rhine frontier. He is said to have been killed while cowering in the arms of his domineering mother, Julia Mamaea, who was also murdered. Although he is typically depicted on the coins as a military emperor with an idealized countenance, in reality he detested warfare, which was a major fault in the turbulent third century. Also, he was constantly under the dominance of other, more powerful personalities, particularly his mother. Eventually, Alexander’s weak leadership proved fatal, and he became one of many emperors murdered on campaign by his own soldiers.

Closing Date and Time: 4 October 2023 at 15:10:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.