ROMAN EMPIRE, Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.

Silver denarius, RIC IV 250b; RSC III 501b; BMCRE VI p. 201, 875; Hunter III 74; SRCV II 7922, Choice EF, excellent portrait, superb reverse detail, small edge cracks, Rome mint, weight 2.841g, maximum diameter 20.0mm, die axis 160o, 231 - 235 A.D.; obverse IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder; reverse PROVIDENTIA AVG (the foresight of the Emperor), Providentia (or Annona) standing left, grain downward in right hand over modius overflowing with grain at feet on left, cornucopia in left hand.

Annona was the goddess of harvest and her main attribute is grain. When Severus Alexander was away on his Persian and German campaigns (231-235) he continuously struck Annona types. With the legend PROVIDENTIA AVG, "The Foresight of the Emperor," he assured that, though he was away, he would be carefully monitoring Rome's grain supply!

FORVM Ancient Coins./ The Sam Mansourati Collection.