Severus Alexander Sestertius, Providentia reverse
RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d · 223 AD · Rome
Obverse
Reverse
Heinrich-Schliemann-Institut, Universität Rostock
Obverse
IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG
Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
PONTIF MAX TR P II COS P P S C
Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe and cornucopiae; leaning on column with left arm
About This Type
This RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d is a sestertius of Severus Alexander (223 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe and cornucopiae; leaning on column with left arm. Struck in bronze at a standard weight of 22.1g, 30mm diameter.
About the Sestertius
The sestertius was the large brass prestige coin of the Roman imperial series, typically 25–28 grams and 30–35mm in diameter. Its size gave engravers room for the finest portrait art and most detailed reverse compositions in Roman coinage. Sestertii bear the SC mark indicating senatorial authority over base metal coinage.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d?
- RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d is a Bronze Sestertius of Severus Alexander (223 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. IV no. IV Severus Alexander 404d.
- How do you identify RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d?
- The obverse depicts Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right with the inscription IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG. The reverse depicts Providentia, draped, standing left, legs crossed, holding wand in right hand over globe and cornucopiae; leaning on column with left arm with the inscription PONTIF MAX TR P II COS P P S C. Portrait type: laureate.
- What are the physical specifications of RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d?
- RIC IV Severus Alexander 404d was struck in Bronze, standard weight 22.1g, diameter 30mm, die axis 11 h, struck.
Identify your own coins
Upload a photo and get instant attribution powered by our catalog of 80,000+ ancient coin types.
Try Coin Identification