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The Roman Empire AR Denarius of Severus Alexander, minted between 228-231 A.D., offers a compelling look into the reign of an emperor who sought to preserve the stability of the Roman Empire during a period fraught with political instability and military pressures. Severus Alexander, born Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander, was only 13 years old when he became emperor after the death of his cousin, Elagabalus. His reign, which lasted from 222 to 235 A.D., was marked by a series of attempts to reform the military and stabilize the empire in the face of external threats from the Parthians and Germanic tribes, as well as internal turmoil. Though his reign ultimately ended in his assassination during a military revolt, Severus Alexander’s coinage, including the AR Denarius minted between 228-231 A.D., provides valuable insight into his attempts to balance power, reform, and propaganda.
Severus Alexander’s reign was one of relative peace in comparison to the tumultuous periods that preceded and followed it. However, his rule faced considerable challenges, both politically and militarily. Severus Alexander was heavily influenced by his mother, Julia Mammaea, who played a pivotal role in the governance of the empire. While he attempted to ensure military discipline and curtail corruption, the empire continued to suffer from ongoing problems, including inflation, the rising power of the military, and a weakening central authority. Despite these issues, Severus Alexander’s reign was marked by a strong focus on diplomacy, a commitment to reform, and efforts to preserve the traditional Roman values. His coinage, especially the AR Denarius issued during the years 228-231 A.D., is a testament to his desire to project an image of stability, divine favor, and imperial authority to both the military and the people of Rome.
The design of the AR Denarius of Severus Alexander minted between 228-231 A.D. is a classic representation of Roman imperial portraiture, displaying the emperor’s youthful image on the obverse. On the obverse, Severus Alexander is shown in right-facing profile, his face carefully rendered to reflect his youthful features. He is depicted with a radiate crown, a symbol of his divine favor and connection to the sun god, Sol. The radiate crown was commonly used in Roman coinage to indicate the emperor’s divine status and his role as the earthly representative of the gods. Surrounding the emperor’s portrait is the inscription “IMP ALEXANDER PIVS FEL AVG,” meaning “Imperator Alexander Pius Felix Augustus.” This inscription reaffirms the emperor’s imperial status and emphasizes his piety (Pius) and good fortune (Felix), two qualities that were highly valued in Roman propaganda to establish the legitimacy and divine favor of the emperor.
On the reverse of the coin, the image of Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology, is prominently displayed. Jupiter is shown standing, holding a scepter in his right hand and a thunderbolt in his left, both symbols of his supreme power and control over the heavens. The thunderbolt, in particular, symbolizes Jupiter’s authority to bring storms, lightning, and divine retribution, further emphasizing his powerful and awe-inspiring presence. The reverse inscription reads “IOVI CONSERVATORI,” which translates to “Jupiter the Preserver,” underscoring the divine role of Jupiter as the protector and preserver of the Roman state. Jupiter’s image on the reverse reflects Severus Alexander’s desire to align himself with the divine and to convey to the people of Rome that his reign, like Jupiter’s rule, was a source of protection and stability for the empire. The use of Jupiter on the coin was a common motif in Roman imperial propaganda, reinforcing the emperor’s connection to the divine and his responsibility for safeguarding the empire.
The AR Denarius of Severus Alexander was minted in the Roman Empire’s primary minting centers, most notably in Rome itself, where the majority of Roman coinage was struck. Roman mints were responsible for producing the vast quantities of coins needed to finance the empire, pay the military, and fund imperial projects. The Antoninianus, struck during Severus Alexander’s reign, was an important denomination, and the AR Denarius was a key part of the Roman monetary system. The minting process involved the use of engraved dies that were pressed into metal blanks to create the coin's design. These dies were carefully crafted to ensure that each coin bore the emperor’s image and symbols of imperial authority. The minting of the Denarius, especially during times of military conflict and political unrest, played a crucial role in the Roman economy, allowing the empire to function and its armies to remain paid and operational.
The mintage of the AR Denarius during Severus Alexander’s reign was extensive, as the Denarius was the primary currency for the Roman Empire during the 3rd century. Coins like the Denarius were used for everyday transactions, and they played a vital role in paying soldiers, funding public works, and supporting trade across the empire. The extensive production of the Denarius, including the type minted between 228-231 A.D., helped maintain the Roman economy despite the ongoing financial challenges faced by the empire. These coins were distributed widely, circulating from the heart of the empire in Rome to its farthest provinces, ensuring that the emperor’s image and messages of divine favor and political stability were visible to all. The large-scale production and circulation of the Denarius also helped promote imperial propaganda, reinforcing the emperor’s legitimacy and the divine protection he enjoyed.
The condition of the AR Denarius of Severus Alexander from 228-231 A.D. is graded as AU (About Uncirculated) to MS (Mint State), indicating that the coin retains much of its original detail and luster. Coins in this grade are typically well-struck, with sharp portraits and clear inscriptions. The obverse portrait of Severus Alexander is finely executed, with his youthful face and radiate crown remaining crisp and distinct. The reverse design, featuring Jupiter holding the scepter and thunderbolt, is similarly well-preserved, with the symbols of divine power clearly visible. The inscription “IOVI CONSERVATORI” is legible, and the overall design is intact. The coin exhibits only minimal wear, which is typical of coins that have been in circulation but still retain a high degree of original detail. The surfaces of the coin are smooth, and it retains a lustrous shine, with only minor contact marks or small imperfections typically seen in coins that have been handled or circulated. The overall preservation of the coin makes it an appealing example of Roman coinage from the early third century A.D.
The AR Denarius of Severus Alexander minted between 228-231 A.D. is an important example of Roman coinage from a period of transition and turmoil. Severus Alexander’s reign, though marked by challenges, is remembered for his attempts to restore order and stability to the empire. The coin’s design, featuring the portrait of the emperor and the personification of Jupiter, emphasizes the divine favor and protection that the emperor sought to align with his rule. The extensive minting and circulation of these coins helped ensure that the emperor’s image was visible across the Roman Empire, reinforcing his authority and the legitimacy of his reign. The coin’s preservation in AU-MS condition makes it a desirable piece for collectors and historians alike, offering a tangible connection to the history of the Roman Empire during the third century.
In conclusion, the AR Denarius of Severus Alexander from 228-231 A.D. is a striking example of Roman imperial coinage that reflects the political and religious ideals of the emperor’s reign. The coin’s design, with its detailed portrait of Severus Alexander and the image of Jupiter, reinforces the emperor’s divine connection and his role as the protector of the Roman state. The large-scale production of these coins and their circulation across the empire ensured that Severus Alexander’s image and messages of stability were disseminated throughout the Roman world. The coin’s preservation in AU-MS condition further enhances its value as a collectible piece of Roman history, offering a window into the challenges and triumphs of an emperor who sought to restore peace and stability to an empire on the brink of crisis.