What is RIC IV Severus Alexander 1?

RIC IV Severus Alexander 1 is a Gold Aureus of Elagabalus (221 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. IV no. IV Severus Alexander 1.

Elagabalus Aureus, Spes (RIC IV Severus Alexander 1)

Obverse

Aleksandars88, PD, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC IV Severus Alexander 1

Ruler

Elagabalus

Denomination

Aureus

Date

221 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

bare

Obverse

M AVR ALEXANDER CAES

Bust of Severus Alexander, bare-headed, draped, right

Reverse

INDVLGENTIA AVG

Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand

About This Type

This RIC IV Severus Alexander 1 is an aureus of Elagabalus (221 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand.

About the Aureus

The aureus was the principal Roman gold denomination, struck from the late Republic through the early fourth century. It typically weighs 7–8 grams and measures 19–21mm. Because gold does not corrode, aurei often survive in exceptional condition compared to silver and bronze issues of the same period.

About the Rome Mint

The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.

All Elagabalus coins Rome mint All Aureus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC IV Severus Alexander 1?: RIC IV Severus Alexander 1 is a Gold Aureus of Elagabalus (221 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. IV no. IV Severus Alexander 1.
How do you identify RIC IV Severus Alexander 1?: The obverse depicts Bust of Severus Alexander, bare-headed, draped, right with the inscription M AVR ALEXANDER CAES. The reverse depicts Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand with the inscription INDVLGENTIA AVG. Portrait type: bare.