Catálogo
| Emisor | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Año | 227 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | Sestertius (1/8) |
| Moneda | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composición | Bronze |
| Peso | 20 g |
| Diámetro | |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | RIC IV.2#459, OCRE#ric.4.sa.459 |
| Descripción del anverso | Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del anverso |
IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG (Translation: Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander Augustus. Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar, Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander, emperor (Augustus).) |
| Descripción del reverso | Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand. |
| Escritura del reverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del reverso |
P M TR P VI COS II P P S C (Translation: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Sexta, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum. High priest, holder of tribunician power for the sixth time, consul for the second time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (227) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 3963839830 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This Sestertius, struck in 227 AD, dates to the early reign of Severus Alexander, a young emperor who ascended the throne at the age of fourteen in 222 AD. His rule was heavily influenced by his mother, Julia Mamaea, and characterized by an attempt to restore senatorial prestige and financial stability after the tumultuous reign of Elagabalus. The inscription P M TR P VI COS II P P S C confirms his sixth tribunician power and second consulship, precisely dating the coin. The reverse depiction of Aequitas, the personification of equity and fairness, served as a crucial propaganda message, projecting an image of just governance and fair dealing to the Roman populace amidst a period of increasing internal and external pressures.
Artistry: The anonymous engravers of the Roman mints during the Severan period adhered to a stylistic school that blended idealized portraiture with a degree of realism. The obverse of this Sestertius would typically feature a youthful, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander, reflecting the imperial desire to portray him as a virtuous and capable leader. The reverse design of Aequitas standing, holding scales (libra) and a cornucopia (cornucopiae), is a classical representation of the goddess. The scales symbolize impartiality and justice, while the cornucopia represents abundance and prosperity, reinforcing the emperor's commitment to the welfare and equitable distribution of resources to the Roman state.
Technical/Grading: As a bronze Sestertius, this coin was produced on a substantial flan, often leading to a broad but sometimes uneven strike. The specified weight of 20 grams is consistent with Sestertii of this era, though the overall weight standard was in gradual decline. For grading purposes, high-points to examine for wear include the emperor's hair, ear, nose, and the laurel wreath on the obverse. On the reverse, critical details are Aequitas's head, the top of the scales, the mouth of the cornucopia, and the drapery folds. A well-struck example would exhibit clear facial features on both obverse and reverse, with full legends and a well-centered design, though slight off-centering or flatness in certain areas is common for this denomination.