Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3044 3-4 January 2016
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Severus Alexander (AD 222-235). AV aureus (21mm, 6.23 gm, 7h). Rome, AD 223.IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Alexander right / P M TR P II COS P P, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and scepter in left. RIC 26d. Calico 3092. Rare! Crisply struck, and a sensitive portrait of the young Alexander. NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5.The reign of Severus Alexander presents the last relatively tranquil interlude before the mid-third century storm swept away the Pax Romana. Handsome and affable, the youth was really never more than a figurehead ruler, first for his grandmother, the formidable Julia Maesa, and then, after her death in AD 225/6, for his mother Julia Mamaea. As long as the Empire remained at peace, the arrangement worked relatively well; the government functioned smoothly and prosperity reigned. Later generations would view Alexander's reign as the last episode of a Golden Age and imbued him with all the attributes of an Ideal Prince. This rare and beautiful gold aureus was struck near the outset of Alexander's reign and shows him as a smooth-faced youth of 15. The reverse image of Pax celebrates peace throughout the Empire, which, alas, proved all too short-lived.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD
Severus Alexander (AD 222-235). AV aureus (21mm, 6.23 gm, 7h). Rome, AD 223.IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Alexander right / P M TR P II COS P P, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and scepter in left. RIC 26d. Calico 3092. Rare! Crisply struck, and a sensitive portrait of the young Alexander. NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5.The reign of Severus Alexander presents the last relatively tranquil interlude before the mid-third century storm swept away the Pax Romana. Handsome and affable, the youth was really never more than a figurehead ruler, first for his grandmother, the formidable Julia Maesa, and then, after her death in AD 225/6, for his mother Julia Mamaea. As long as the Empire remained at peace, the arrangement worked relatively well; the government functioned smoothly and prosperity reigned. Later generations would view Alexander's reign as the last episode of a Golden Age and imbued him with all the attributes of an Ideal Prince. This rare and beautiful gold aureus was struck near the outset of Alexander's reign and shows him as a smooth-faced youth of 15. The reverse image of Pax celebrates peace throughout the Empire, which, alas, proved all too short-lived.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD