Description
Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander, Roman Emperor of the Severan Dynasty 222-235 AD, Silver Denarius (3.39g, 18mm), Rome mint 232 AD. Obverse: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander facing to the right, legend surrounds, “IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG”. Reverse: Spes walks to the left, wearing stola, which she raises with her left hand, and holds flower aloft in right, legend surrounds, “SPES PVBLICA”. RIC-254; RSC-546; Sear-7927. A sublime piece portraying the boy emperor in utmost splendour, of note, the die work of the reverse figure of Spes is masterfully engraved, displaying full facial features of fine style, each side boldly struck with only minor uneven strike to the upper obverse devices, of the utmost collectibility, details Mint State.
The obverse Latin legend reads “Imperātor Alexander Pius Augustus”, naming some of the emperor’s regnal nomenclature. The reverse Latin legend reads “spēs pūblica”, with an English translation of “Hope of the Public/Community”.