Severus Alexander Sestertius, Mars (RIC IV 638c)

Catalog Reference

RIC IV Severus Alexander 638c

Ruler

Severus Alexander

Denomination

Sestertius

Date

231 AD-235 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Bronze

Portrait Type

laureate

Obverse

IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG

Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, right

Reverse

MARS VLTOR S C

Mars, helmeted, standing left, leaning on shield and holding spear; standard resting on right arm

About This Type

This RIC IV Severus Alexander 638c is a sestertius of Severus Alexander (231 AD-235 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, standing left, leaning on shield and holding spear; standard resting on right arm.

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 638c?: RIC IV Severus Alexander 638c is a Bronze Sestertius of Severus Alexander (231 AD-235 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. IV no. IV Severus Alexander 638c.
How do you identify RIC IV Severus Alexander 638c?: The obverse depicts Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, right with the inscription IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, standing left, leaning on shield and holding spear; standard resting on right arm with the inscription MARS VLTOR S C. Portrait type: laureate.