Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 468 20 May 2020
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Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. AV Aureus (21.5mm, 6.66 g, 6h). Rome mint. 14th emission, AD 231. IMP ALEXAN DER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / IOVI PRO PVGNATORI, Jupiter, naked except for cloak over shoulder, standing facing, head right, holding up thunderbolt in right hand. RIC IV 234; Calicó 3060; BMCRE 789. Light scratches. Good VF. Struck on a broad flan.
From the Provence Collection. Ex Ars Classica XIII (27 June 1928), lot 1431.
The reign of Severus Alexander presents the last relatively tranquil interlude before the mid-third century storm swept away the Pax Romana. Mild-mannered 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 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 gold aureus was struck in the middle years of Alexander's reign and presents him in military garb on the obverse. The reverse invokes the protection of Jupiter, demonstrating his adherence to the traditional Roman pantheon.
From the Provence Collection. Ex Ars Classica XIII (27 June 1928), lot 1431.
The reign of Severus Alexander presents the last relatively tranquil interlude before the mid-third century storm swept away the Pax Romana. Mild-mannered 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 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 gold aureus was struck in the middle years of Alexander's reign and presents him in military garb on the obverse. The reverse invokes the protection of Jupiter, demonstrating his adherence to the traditional Roman pantheon.