Severus Alexander Sestertius, Annona (RIC IV 520b)

Catalog Reference

RIC IV Severus Alexander 520b

Ruler

Severus Alexander

Denomination

Sestertius

Date

231 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Bronze

Portrait Type

laureate

Obverse

IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG

Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped over left shoulder, right

Reverse

P M TR P X COS III P P S C

Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius and anchor in left hand

About This Type

This RIC IV Severus Alexander 520b is a sestertius of Severus Alexander (231 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius and anchor in left hand.

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.

All Severus Alexander coins Rome mint All Sestertius coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC IV Severus Alexander 520b?: RIC IV Severus Alexander 520b is a Bronze Sestertius of Severus Alexander (231 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. IV no. IV Severus Alexander 520b.
How do you identify RIC IV Severus Alexander 520b?: The obverse depicts Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped over left shoulder, right with the inscription IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. The reverse depicts Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand over modius and anchor in left hand with the inscription P M TR P X COS III P P S C. Portrait type: laureate.