An unlisted Dupondius and scarce As

[mix_val]

Profectio Augusti coins were minted in 231 AD to commemorate Severus Alexander’s leaving Rome to fight the Persian war. This was also the year that the obverse legend changed as shown by these specimens.  The first is a Dupondius unlisted in BMC which completes my set of AE Profectio As, Dupondius and Sestertius with IMPSEVALEXANDERAVG obverse legend.  Because the As (shown below) and Sestertius with IMPALEXANDERPIVSAVG obverse legend are extant, this strongly suggests that a Dupondius must have been minted and is to my knowledge undiscovered.

Dupondius
Obverse: IMPSEVALE_XANDERAVG
Bust radiant right,
Reverse: PROFECTIOAVGVSTI, SC in exergue
Severus Alexander laureate, in military dress, on horseback left, holding up right hand and holding spear pointing up right in left hand
Unlisted in BMC
Weight, 13.061g; die axis, 12h.

As
Obverse: IMPALEXAN_DERPIVSAVG
Bust laureate right, slightly draped on left shoulder
Reverse: PROFECTIOAVGVSTI, SC in exergue
Severus Alexander laureate, in military dress, on horseback left, holding up right hand and holding spear pointing up right in left hand
BMC 811*, RIC 639
Weight, 10.997g; die axis, 6h.

[Mark Z]

Can you show us the sestertius?

mz

[mix_val]

Can you show us the sestertius?

mz

There is an denarius version of this reverse type but it is rare (BMC 747* pl. 25).  It resembles the Sestertius reverse but without winged Victory.  You'd think there was an aureus version as well

I also have a slightly draped bust version of the As in my collection but it's in poor shape.

Cheers

Bob

[Pscipio]

Very nice examples of this interesting issue! I have to say that I do enjoy your Alexander collection very much.

Lars

[kc]

As you know, Bob, I like your collection very much, too! Great coins!

Best Regards

kc

[Randygeki(h2)]

as do I, a wonderful collection.

[mix_val]

Thanks for the compliments.  It's been fun building my collection

Bob

[curtislclay]

Profectio Augusti coins were minted in 231 AD to commemorate Severus Alexander’s leaving Rome to fight the Persian war. This was also the year that the obverse legend changed as shown by these specimens.  The first is a Dupondius unlisted in BMC which completes my set of AE Profectio As, Dupondius and Sestertius with IMPSEVALEXANDERAVG obverse legend.  Because the As (shown below) and Sestertius with IMPALEXANDERPIVSAVG obverse legend are extant, this strongly suggests that a Dupondius must have been minted and is to my knowledge undiscovered.

Dupondius
Obverse: IMPSEVALE_XANDERAVG
Bust radiant right,
Reverse: PROFECTIOAVGVSTI, SC in exergue
Severus Alexander laureate, in military dress, on horseback left, holding up right hand and holding spear pointing up right in left hand
Unlisted in BMC
Weight, 13.061g; die axis, 12h.

As
Obverse: IMPALEXAN_DERPIVSAVG
Bust laureate right, slightly draped on left shoulder
Reverse: PROFECTIOAVGVSTI, SC in exergue
Severus Alexander laureate, in military dress, on horseback left, holding up right hand and holding spear pointing up right in left hand
BMC 811*, RIC 639
Weight, 10.997g; die axis, 6h.

BMC mixup on the last coin: BMC 811* is TR P X Sol standing, and the PIVS / PROFECTIO AVG As is actually BMC 776.

The no PIVS / PROFECTIO AVG dupondius is actually published, just overlooked by Cohen, RIC, and BMC: no. 4863 in Rollin & Feuardent's three-volume stock list of the 1880s. I have a nice specimen myself, from the same dies as yours, acquired at a Swiss auction about ten years ago, earlier in Spink NYC, 3 May 1995, lot 593.

One more no-PIVS variety for your want list: As with draped and cuirassed bust seen from front not rear, in BM ex my collection = Lanz Graz IV, Roman Middle Bronzes, 25 Nov. 1974, lot 618. I've also seen several other specimens in collections or on the market. This seems to be a medallic obv. die, also used for the small medallion with rev. ADLOCVTIO AVGVSTI COS III P P, no S C, BMC 725* note, specimen in my collection ex Peus 364, 27 April 2000, lot 266.

Dupondius with PIVS: unknown to me too, but as you say it could be expected so maybe one will eventually turn up!

[David Atherton]

Bob, you're a man after my own heart. I certainly know what it is like to acquire a rare type for an area you specialize in. Congrats on the knew additions and the remarkable collection you have built up!

[Adrianus]

I have a none-too-wonderful as and a sestertius which is rather nice...

Regards,

Adrianus

[mix_val]

BMC mixup on the last coin: BMC 811* is TR P X Sol standing, and the PIVS / PROFECTIO AVG As is actually BMC 776.

Thank you Curtis.  The pages in my catalogue must have stuck together. 

Adrianus:  That's a beauty for sure!

Bob