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Image search results - "218,"
Macrinus_4drachm_beroea-syria_rev_02.JPG
0 - Macrinus Tetradrachm - Beroea Mint, SyriaRoman Empire, Syro-Phoenician 4 Drachm.
SYRIA, Cyrrhestica. Beroea.
Emperor Macrinus (217-218 AD). Silver Tetradrachm.

(titles in Greek)
obv: Laureate, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.

rev: Eagle standing facing holding wreath in beak, head and tail facing left; Palm leaf in upper left field.
Winged Animal (Possibly a Phoenix) between eagle's legs; 'B-E' flanking either side, one letter under each one of the eagle's feet.

14.4 Grams
27 / 26.5 mm
---
Reverse.
1 commentsrexesq
Macrinus_4drachm_beroea-syria_rev_09.JPG
0 - Macrinus Tetradrachm - Beroea Mint, SyriaRoman Empire, Syro-Phoenician 4 Drachm.
SYRIA, Cyrrhestica. Beroea.
Emperor Macrinus (217-218 AD). Silver Tetradrachm.

(titles in Greek)
obv: Laureate, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.

rev: Eagle standing facing holding wreath in beak, head and tail facing left; Palm leaf in upper left field.
Winged Animal (Possibly a Phoenix) between eagle's legs; 'B-E' flanking either side, one letter under each one of the eagle's feet.

14.4 Grams
27 / 26.5 mm
---
Reverse.
rexesq
Macrinus_4drachm_beroea-syria_rev_07.JPG
0 - Macrinus Tetradrachm - Beroea Mint, SyriaRoman Empire, Syro-Phoenician 4 Drachm.
SYRIA, Cyrrhestica. Beroea.
Emperor Macrinus (217-218 AD). Silver Tetradrachm.

(titles in Greek)
obv: Laureate, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front.

rev: Eagle standing facing holding wreath in beak, head and tail facing left; Palm leaf in upper left field.
Winged Animal (Possibly a Phoenix) between eagle's legs; 'B-E' flanking either side, one letter under each one of the eagle's feet.

14.4 Grams
27 / 26.5 mm
---
Reverse.
rexesq
Antoninus_-Pius-s.jpg
035b Anonymous AE Quadrans. Period of Domitian to Antoninus Pius (81-161 A.D.), RIC II 0019, Rome, AE-Quadrans, Couriass, S-C, Scarce !,035b Anonymous AE Quadrans. Period of Domitian to Antoninus Pius (81-161 A.D.), RIC II 0019, Rome, AE-Quadrans, Couriass, S-C, Scarce !,
avers:- No legends, Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Mars right.
revers:- No legends, Couriass, S-C across the field.
exerg: S/C//--, diameter: mm, weight: g, axes: h,
mint: , date: Period of Domitian to Antoninus Pius 81-161 A.D., ref: RIC II 19 p-218, C-26-27cf,
Q-001
quadrans
Matyas-Hunyadi_Den_U-554-b_C1-218_H-702_MOnETA_MAThIE_DE_REGIS_h_-UnGARIE_Q-001_h_xmm_0,58ga-s.jpg
040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Denarius, H-702, C2-218, U-554.b., P-202-01, #01040 Mátyás Hunyadi., (Matthias Corvinus), King of Hungary, (1458-1490 A.D.) AR Denarius, H-702, C2-218, U-554.b., P-202-01, #01
avers: ✠•MONЄTA•MAThIЄ•DG, Two-part Hungarian shield (stripes, patriarchal cross) in circle of dots; border of dots.
reverse: RЄGIS•h VnGARIAЄ•, Patriarchal cross in a circle of dots, mint-mark on each side (B-S); border of dots.
exergue, mint mark: B/S//-- were struck by Stephan Kovách (by Pohl), diameter: 15mm, weight: 0,58g, axis: h,
mint: Hungary, Buda (by Pohl), date: 1461 A.D. (by Pohl),
ref: Huszár-702, CNH-2-218, Unger-554.b., Pohl 202-01,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
RPC_71_Semis_Druso_ITALICA.jpg
05 - 40 - Cnia. Itálica - DRUSO (20 - 23 D.C.)AE Semis 23 mm 4.95 gr.

Anv: "DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F" (Leyenda anti-horaria), Cabeza desnuda viendo a derecha.
Rev: Aquila (Águila Legionaria) y Vexillum (Estandarte) entre dos Signa (Insignias militares), "MUNIC ITALIC" (Leyenda anti-horaria), "PE-R / AV-G" en campo centro.

Acuñada 20 - 23 D.C.
Ceca: Cnia. Municipium Itálica, Hispania (Hoy Saltiponce, Sevilla, España)

Referencias: RPC #71, SNG Cop #419, ACIP #3340, Vives Pl.CLXVIII #12, ABH #1596, FAB #1685 P.205, Sear GICV #338 P.31, RAH #2012-20 Pag. 259/60 - DC y P #3 Pag.215, Cohen I #9 Pag.218, Heiss #10 Pag.380
mdelvalle
137_City_Commemorative,_VRBS_ROMA,_Trier,_RIC_VII_561,_TRS,_AE-3,_333-334_AD,_Q-001,_6h,_15,5mm,_1,69g-s.jpg
137 Trier, RIC VII 561, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (333-334 A.D.), AE-3, -/-//TRS, She-wolf left, C3! #1137 Trier, RIC VII 561, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (333-334 A.D.), AE-3, -/-//TRS, She-wolf left, C3! #1
avers: VRBS ROMA, Helmeted bust of Roma left.
reverse: She-wolf and twins, 2 stars above, palm branch between them.
exergue: -/-//TRS, diameter: 15,5 mm, weight: 1,69 g, axis: 6 h,
mint: Trier, date: 333-334 A.D., ref: RIC VII 561, p-218, C3!,
Q-001
quadrans
Helena_FL-HELENA-AVGVSTA_SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICA_Gamma-SIS-Crescentincrescent_RIC-VII-218-p-453-12-E10_c2_Siscia_328-29-AD_Q-001_h_mm_g-s.jpg
139 Helena (? -329 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Siscia, RIC VII 218, -/-//ΓSIS Crescent in crescent, SECVRITAS REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, C2!,139 Helena (? -329 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Siscia, RIC VII 218, -/-//ΓSIS Crescent in crescent, SECVRITAS REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, C2!,
avers:- FL-HELENA-AVGVSTA, 12,E10, Diademed, draped bust right, with two-row necklace.
revers:- SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, lowering branch with left hand, raising robe with right hand.
exergo: -/-//ΓSIS Crescent in crescent, diameter: mm, weight: g, axis: h,
mint: Siscia, date: 328-29 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-218, p-453, C2,
Q-001
quadrans
Helena_FL-HELENA-AVGVSTA_SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICA_E-SIS-crescent-in-crescent_RIC-VII-218-p-453-12-E10_c2_Siscia_328-29-AD_Q-001_0h_18mm_3,05ga-s.jpg
139 Helena (? -329 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Siscia, RIC VII 218, -/-//ESIS Crescent in crescent, SECVRITAS REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, C2!139 Helena (? -329 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Siscia, RIC VII 218, -/-//ESIS Crescent in crescent, SECVRITAS REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, C2!
avers:- FL-HELENA-AVGVSTA, 12,E10, Diademed, draped bust right, with two-row necklace.
revers:- SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, lowering branch with left hand, raising robe with right hand.
exergo: -/-//ESIS Crescent in crescent, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,05g, axis: 0h,
mint: Siscia, date: 328-29 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-218, p-453, C2,
Q-001
quadrans
146_Constans,_Siscia,_RIC_VIII_218,_D_N_CONSTA-NS_P_F_AVG,_FEL_TEMP_REPA-RATIO,_BSISsymb2M,_Q-001,_h,_22,5mm,_g-s.jpg
146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), Siscia, RIC VIII 218, -/-//BSISsymbol2M, AE-2 Follis, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Tree, #1146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), Siscia, RIC VIII 218, -/-//BSISsymbol2M, AE-2 Follis, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Tree, #1
avers:- D N CONSTA-NS P F AVG, Cn8, G3L, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding globe.
revers:- FEL TEMP REPAR-ATIO, Constans advancing right, dragging barbarian from hut under tree.
exergo: -/-//BSISsymbol2M, diameter: 20,5-22,0mm, weight: 3,51g, axis: 11h,
mint: Siscia, date: 348-351 AD., ref: RIC-VIII-218-p,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Julianus-II__AR-Siliqua_FL-CL-IVLIA-NVS-PP-AVG_VOTIS_V_MVLTIS_X_LVG_Lugdunum_RIC-VIII-218_p-_RSC-163a_360-3-AD_Q-001_0h_mm_gx-s.jpg
153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC VIII 218, AR-Siliqua, -/-//LVG, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X, in wreath, #1153 Julianus II. (360-363 A.D.), Lugdunum, RIC VIII 218, AR-Siliqua, -/-//LVG, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X, in wreath, #1
avers: FL CL IVLIA NVS P P AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
reverse: No legend, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X in four line, in wreath.
exergue: -/-//LVG, diameter: 17mm, weight: 2,03g, axis: 0h,
mint: Lugdunum, date: 360-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII 218, p-,
Q-001
quadrans
maurel sest-annona.jpg
161-180 AD - MARCUS AURELIUS AE sestertius - struck 177 ADobv: M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TRP XXXI (laureate head right)
rev: IM[P VIIII COS III PP] (Annona standing left, between modius & ship, holding corn-ears & cornucopiae), S-C in field
ref: RIC III 1218, C.374
21.73gms, 28mm,
berserker
1997-161-1_SesGordianRIC_266-Forum.jpg
1997.161.1 Rome, RIC 266Sestertius, 19.03 g

Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG; Laureate, draped, cuirassed right
Reverse: P M TR P II COS PP S C; Gordian, with head bare, advancing right, holding spear and shield.
Ref: RIC 266 [2nd Issue, End of AD 239]; C 218, 20 fr;
gordian_guy
1997-161-2_SesGordianRIC_266-Forum.jpg
1997.161.2 Rome, RIC 266Sestertius, 19.86 g

Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG; Laureate, draped, cuirassed right
Reverse: P M TR P II COS PP S C; Gordian, with head bare, advancing right, holding spear and shield.
Ref: RIC 266 [2nd Issue, End of AD 239]; C 218, 20 fr;
gordian_guy
coin195.JPG
203a. DiadumenianMarcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus or Diadumenian (d. 218) was the son of Roman Emperor Macrinus, who served his father briefly as Caesar from May, 217 to 218, and as Augustus in 218.

Diadumenian had little time to enjoy his position or to learn anything from its opportunities because the legions of Syria revolted and declared Elagabalus ruler of the Roman Empire. When Macrinus was defeated on June 8, 218, at Antioch, Diadumenian followed his father's death. According to the Scriptores Historiae Augustae, Diadumenian emulated Macrinus in tyranny. He called upon his father not to spare any who might oppose them or who made plots. His head was cut off and presented to Elagabalus as a trophy.

Diadumenian, A.D. 218 Nicopolis ad Istrum, Hera
OBVERSE: Draped bust right
REVERSE: Hera standing left holding patera.
25 mm - 10 grams

Check
2 commentsecoli
diadumenian_RIC216.jpg
217-218 AD - DIADUMENIAN AE Asobv: M OPEL DIADVMENIANVS CAES (bare-headed, draped bust right)
rev: PRINC IVVENTVTIS (Diadumenian standing left, holding wand and scepter; two standards to right), S-C in ex.
ref: RIC IVii 216 (R), Cohen 13 (20frcs)
mint: Rome
10.31gms, 24mm (Better in hand than the picture allows.)

Marcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus or Diadumenian was the son of Roman Emperor Macrinus, who served his father briefly as Caesar from May, 217 to 218, and as Augustus in 218. He had little time to enjoy his position or to learn anything from its opportunities because the legions of Syria revolted and declared Elagabalus ruler of the Roman Empire. When Macrinus was defeated on June 8, 218, at Antioch, Diadumenian followed his father's death at the end of June.
This coin was found near a little village on plough-land where probably missed a fugitive citizen who fed up with the succession Sarmatian attacks.
berserker
1661_A__Postumius_Albinus.jpg
A. Postumius Albinus AR denarius¹²Rome
²92 BC / ¹96 BC
diademed and draped head of Diana right, wearing earring and necklace, bow and quiver over shoulder
ROMA
3 horsmen galloping left (A. Postumius Albus Regillensis); fallen enemy and two standards in front of them
A·(AL)BINVS·S·F
¹Crawford 335/9, SRCV I 218, Sydenham 613a, RSC I Postumia 4a
²Mark Passehl - Roman moneyer & coin type chronology, 150 – 50 BC
3,90g 17,00 mm
ex Roma Numismatics

Crawford 328/1, SRCV I 207, Sydenham 601, RSC I Servilia 14
J. B.
655_Mars_quadrans.jpg
anonymous AE quadransRome
81-161 AD (Domitian - Marcus Aurelius)
cuirassed and helmeted bust of Mars right
cuirass
S C
RIC II p. 218, 19
2,57g 17mm
J. B.
B+.jpg
Anonymous QuadransAnonymous Quadrans, 81-161 AD, Rome.
Obv: griffin with spread wings seated left, holding wheel with its rright fore-paw.
Rev: S - C, tripod and globe.
RIC II, p. 218, 28

A scarce and interesting coin.
Tanit
Antandrus_lion.jpg
Antandros; Head of Artemis right/ Lion's head right; AE 12Troas Antandros; 440-400 B.C. AE 11.9mm, 1.73g; Obverse: Head of Artemis (/ Apollo) right. Reverse: Lion's head right. SNG Cop 218, SNG Von Aulock 7582. Podiceps
37790_Bulgaria,_Imitative_of_Alexis_III,_Billon_Aspron_Trachy,_c__1204_-_1220_A_D_.jpg
Bulgaria, Imitative of Alexis III, Billon Aspron Trachy, Hendy type CBulgaria, Imitative of Alexis III, Billon Aspron Trachy, c. 1204 - 1220 A.D. Bronze aspron trachy nomisma, Hendy, p. 218, Type C, pl. 25, 2(B) (imitative of SBCV 2012 of Alexis III, 1195 - 1203 A.D.), VF, 2.419g, 28.5mm, 180o, obverse + KERO H“Q”EI (or similar), beardless nimbate bust of Christ, wearing tunic and colobion, scroll in left, IC - XC across fields; reverse “LLESI”W“ DE”C“P Q T”W“ KOMNHN”W (or similar), emperor, on left, and St. Constantine, nimbate on right, standing facing, each holds a labarum headed scepter and they hold a globus cruciger between them. Greek magnates in Thrace probably issued the earliest 'Bulgarian' imitative types in the years immediately following the fall of Constantinople to finance their military operations against the crusaders in northern Greece. When the Bulgarians gained control of Thrace they continued production until sometime between 1215 and 1220, with issues becoming increasingly crude and smaller. Ex FORVM, photo credit FORVMPodiceps
83213q00_Bulgarian,_Imitative_of_Alexis_III.jpg
Thess2218.jpg
BYZANTINE, Thessalonica John 1237-1244 Obv: Large Star
Rev: Virgin Orans, Stars in Lower Fields
19 mm
Sear 2218, DOC Vol IV, pl XLIII, 33
DiadF.jpg
DiadumenianDiadumenian, as Caesar. 218 AD. AR Denarius 3.04 g. 2nd emission, July AD 217-March 218

O: M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, bare-headed and draped bust right
R: PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian standing half-left, head right, holding standard and sceptre; two standards behind.
RIC IV 102 (Macrinus); BMCRE 87 (Macrinus); RSC 3.

Marcus Opellius Diadumenianus was born in 208. According to Aelius Lampridius, quoted below, the boy was so named because he was born with a diadem formed by a rolled caul.

“Now let us proceed to the omens predicting his imperial power — which are marvellous enough in the case of others, but in his case beyond the usual wont. 4 On the day of his birth, his father, who then chanced to be steward of the greater treasury, was inspecting the purple robes, and those which he approved as being brighter in hue he ordered to be carried into a certain chamber, in which two hours later Diadumenianus was born. 2 Furthermore, whereas it usually happens that children at birth are provided by nature with a caul, which the midwives seize and sell to credulous lawyers (for it is said that this bring luck to those who plead), 3 this child, instead of a caul, had a narrow band like a diadem, so strong that it could not be broken, for the fibres were entwined in the manner of a bow-string. 4 The child, they say, was accordingly called Diadematus, but when he grew older, he was called Diadumenianus from the name of his mother's father, though the name differed little from his former appellation Diadematus.”

His father Macrinus was hailed as Augustus in 217. Diadumenian, in turn, received the titles of Caesar and Prince of the Youth. He was also given the name Antoninus after the assassinated emperor Caracalla.

These titles are seen on this example as ANT and PRINC IVVENTVTIS.

When the armies of Elagabalus revolted at Emesa on May 16, 218, Macrinus traveled to the praetorian fortress at Apamaea to shore up (buy) support and to raise Diadumenian to the rank of Augustus. Still, Macrinus’ armies were defeated outside Antioch in less than a month.

10 year old Diadumenian was captured while fleeing to Zeugma and executed shortly thereafter. He reigned as Caesar for 13 months and as Augustus for less than one.

Although the Senate never confirmed Diadumenian’s title as Augustus, there is extremely rare silver (one or two pieces?) with Diadumenian as emperor. It is believed that a large issue was struck, only to be immediately recalled and melted down when the news of Macrinus’ defeat reached Rome.
5 commentsNemonater
DiadumenianStandards.jpg
DIADUMENIANDIADUMENIAN (Caesar, 217-218). Denarius. 2.53 g. 20mm, Rome mint.
O: M OPEL DIADVMENIAN CAES, Bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Diadumenian standing left, holding baton; two signa to right.
-RIC 107.

1st emission of Macrinus, AD 217, only three examples in the Reka Devnia hoard.

Diadumenian's three main types as Caesar exactly correspond to Macrinus' three issues, which for their part can be approximately dated on the basis of the titles they bear and their volumes of issue as revealed by the Reka Devnia hoard. So Diadumenian's dates derive from those estimated for Macrinus.

Marcus Opellius Diadumenianus was born in 208. According to Aelius Lampridius, quoted below, the boy was so named because he was born with a diadem formed by a rolled caul.

“Now let us proceed to the omens predicting his imperial power — which are marvellous enough in the case of others, but in his case beyond the usual wont. 4 On the day of his birth, his father, who then chanced to be steward of the greater treasury, was inspecting the purple robes, and those which he approved as being brighter in hue he ordered to be carried into a certain chamber, in which two hours later Diadumenianus was born. 2 Furthermore, whereas it usually happens that children at birth are provided by nature with a caul, which the midwives seize and sell to credulous lawyers (for it is said that this bring luck to those who plead), 3 this child, instead of a caul, had a narrow band like a diadem, so strong that it could not be broken, for the fibres were entwined in the manner of a bow-string. 4 The child, they say, was accordingly called Diadematus, but when he grew older, he was called Diadumenianus from the name of his mother's father, though the name differed little from his former appellation Diadematus.”

His father Macrinus was hailed as Augustus on April 8, 217. Dio Cassius tells us that Diadumenian was named Caesar and Prince of the Youth by the Senate in May 217 as soon as news of Macrinus' accession reached Rome. A little later, Dio continues, news arrived that Diadumenian had independently been proclaimed Caesar by the soldiers at Zeugma, as he was on his way from Antioch to join Macrinus in Mesopotamia, and that he had also assumed Caracalla's name Antoninus. Hence this first short issue of coins in Rome is with the titles Caesar and Prince of the Youth, but still without Antoninus.

When the armies of Elagabalus revolted at Emesa on May 16, 218, Macrinus traveled to the praetorian fortress at Apamaea to shore up (buy) support and to raise Diadumenian to the rank of Augustus. Still, Macrinus’ armies were defeated outside Antioch in less than a month.

10 year old Diadumenian was captured while fleeing to Zeugma and executed shortly thereafter. He reigned as Caesar for 13 months and as Augustus for less than one.

Although the Senate never confirmed Diadumenian’s title as Augustus, there is extremely rare silver (one or two pieces?) with Diadumenian as emperor. It is believed that a large issue was struck, only to be immediately recalled and melted down when the news of Macrinus’ defeat reached Rome.
5 commentsNemonater
diadumenian_116.jpg
Diadumenian RIC IV, 116Diadumenian AD 217-218, son of Macrinus
AR - Denar, 2.96g, 19.77mm
Rome AD 218
obv. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES
bare head, bust, draped, seen from behind, r.
rev. SPES - PVBLICA
Spes advancing l., holding flower and raising skirt
RIC IV/2, 116; C.21; BMC 94
Scarce; toned EF

SPES PVBLICA, the hope for the empire was illusory. In AD 218 after the defeat of his father Macrinus Diadumenian was executed.
2 commentsJochen
Domitian_RIC_763.jpg
Domitian - [RIC II part 1 763 (C3), RSC II 283, BMCRE II 218, BnF III 193, Hunter I 88]Silver denarius, choice VF, 3.289g, 18.3mm, 180 degree, Rome mint, 14 Sep 93 - 13 Sep 94 A.D.

Obv. - IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIII, laureate head right

Rev. - IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, helmeted and draped, thunderbolt in right, spear vertical behind in left, grounded shield at feet behind

Superb portrait, excellent centering, and rainbow toned reverse.
___________

Purchased from Forum Ancient Coins

Ex. FORVM Dealer Photo
1 commentsrenegade3220
EB0698_scaled.JPG
EB0698 Commodus / Mount ArgaiosCommodus, CAESAREA CAPPADOCIA, AE 29.
Obverse: [Α Κ Μ ΑV ΚΟΜΟΔΟС ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟС] Laureate head of Commodus right.
Reverse: [ΜΗΤΡΟΠ(ΟΛ) ΚΑΙСΑΡƐ(ΙΑ) ƐΤ ΓΙ (ƐΤ on altar)], altar surmounted by sacred image of Mount Argaios.
References: SYD-Malloy 383, S Suppl. 378b, BMC 218, Cop 255.
Diameter: 28.5mm, Weight: 13.47g.
EB
Harness_3.jpg
Equine - Snaffle Bit Cheek Piece Fragment - 3rd century ADThe fragment of a large round cheek piece from a Roman cavalry snaffle bit, circa 3rd century AD.

References:
Roman Military Equipment, 2nd edition, figure 124, #4 from Thamusida Morocco and #6 from Dura Europos. The Dura example is dated to 200-250 AD. Similar ones have been found across the Roman empire.
Fischer, page 218, fig. 319.
Feugere, Militaria de Gaule Meridionale, fig. 17, # 137, 3rd c AD.
SC
FR_Philip_IV_gros_tournois.png
France (Royal). Philippe IV, le Bel (the Fair) (1285-1314)AR Gros Tournois à l’O rond (958‰ fineness). Struck 1285-1290. 3.81 g., 24.76 mm. max. (clipped), 0°

Ciani 206, LaFaurie 218, Duplessy 214, Dhénin 258, Roberts 2461

Obv.: + BNDICTV: SIT: NOmE: DNI: nRI: DEI: IhV. XPI with 3-pellet stops (= Benedictum Sit Nomen Domini Nostri Dei Ihesu Christus = Blessed in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ) around + PhILIPPVS REX around cross pattée.

Rev.: + TVRONVS CIVIS (= City of Tours) around châtel tournois, surrounded by floral border of twelve embedded lis.

Van Hengel (1997) Group 200 (PhILLIPPVS legend with no punctuation marks in PhILLIPVS REX and TVRONVS CIVITAS). Van Hengel initially hesitated over whether this group is imitative, i.e., the work of professional moneyers and struck by a minting authority with the right to mint coins, somewhere. He later (1999) concluded that the group is imitative. The variable letter characteristics of the coin, according to the Van Hengel system, are:
• The first three Ns in the obverse outer legend appear as Hs, which is a later development;
• The M in NOME is open, as per Tyler-Smith letter form 2 var., another late development;
• There is no single pellet stop before XPI;
• The R in PhILLIPVS is a variant letter form not depicted by Tyler-Smith;
• The T on the reverse is a non-specific variant letter form depicted but not numbered by Tyler-Smith;
• The Vs on the reverse are a variant letter form not depicted by Tyler-Smith;
• The N on the reverse is Tyler-Smith variant letter form 2 (retrograde).
2 commentsStkp
6012_6013.jpg
Gallienus, Antoninianus, MINERVA AVGAE Antoninianus
Gallienus
Augustus: 253 - 268AD
Issued: 265AD
22.0mm 3.63gr 0h
O: GALLIENVS AVG; Radiate, cuirassed bust, right.
R: MINERVA AVG; Minerva standing right, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
Exergue: Grain
Antioch Mint
RIC V-1 Antioch 617; Sear 10291; Goebl 1644B; Aorta: 898: B47, O10, R235, T218, M1.
alghanem1 281929618959
2/12/16 1/29/17
Nicholas Z
023D81A4-98B9-4A60-927B-4CC5050823D3.jpeg
Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.Hadrian, 11 August 117 - 10 July 138 A.D.
Silver denarius, BMCRE III 536, RIC II 206, RSC II 218, EF, Rome mint, weight 3.046g, maximum diameter 19.9mm, die axis 180o, 132 - 134 A.D.; obverse HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, bare head right; reverse CLEMENTIA AVG COS III P P, Clementia standing half left, patera in right hand, long scepter vertical in left hand; exceptional coin, fine style, sharp, masterpiece portrait, light toning on mint luster.
Ex: Forum Ancient Coins
2 commentspaul1888
00363.jpg
Helena (RIC 218, Coin #363)RIC 218, AE3, Siscia, 328-329 AD.
Obv: FL HELENA AVGVSTA Diademed bust right, wearing mantle and necklace.
Rev: SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE (Epsilon SIS Double Wreath) Seccuritas standing left, holding branch and raising robe.
Size: 19.1mm 3.56gm
MaynardGee
hieron_k.jpg
HUN_Bela_IV_Huszar_320.JPG
Hungary. Béla IV (1235-1270). Huszár 320, Toth-Kiss 22.56.1.1, Unger 218, Réthy I 253, Frynas 18.6, Lengyel 18/64, Adamovszky 387Hungary. Béla IV (1235-1270)

AR denár (average .76 g., 14.4 mm.); .90 g., 13.70 mm., 180°

Obv: REX * — BELA, King seated on dotted arch facing forward but looking right, holding a cross.

Rev: MONETA REGIS P HVNGARIA [NE ligature], Circle in the middle of a cross pattée, stars in the cross-arms.

According to Gyöngyössy the type was issued before the Mongol invasion of 1241/1242.

The coins of Béla IV were issued with an average fineness of .800 and “later” .900, per Huszár at 11.

Huszár rarity 6, Toth-Kiss rarity 50, Unger value 20, Frynas N
Stkp
incerti.jpg
Incerti. AR 10; 4th century B.C. Head of female facing/ Bust of AphroditeCilicia, Incerti. AR 10.4mm (0.71g), 4th century B.C. Head of female facing/
Bust of Aphrodite, waring taenia, earrings and necklace; hair in plaited queue
SNG Levante 218, SNG France -. ; aVF, porous. Ex Gert Boersema.
Podiceps
juliadomna092308a.jpg
Julia Domna, PautaliaJulia Domna,
Ae 28.5mm;14.23g; Pautalia, Thrace

IOVLIA DOMNA CEB
draped bust right

OVLPIAC PAVTALIAC
Radiate agathodaemon serpent coiled left

Moushmov 4218, Varbanov 4926
1 commentsarizonarobin
Julia_Mamaea_VESTA_2b.jpg
Julia Mamaea * Vesta, Silver Denarius * 222-235 AD.
Julia Mamaea * Vesta, AR Denarius
* Mother of Severus Alexander &nd Cousin of Elegabalus *

Obv: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG * Diademed and draped bust, right facing.
Rev: VESTA * Vesta standing left, holding patera in right hand, arm partially extended, and transverse scepter in her left hand.

Exergue: (None)

Mint: Rome
Struck: 227 AD.

Size: 18 mm.
Weight: 3.32 grams
Die axis: 180°

Condition: Tellingly aged and circulation worn, but still in possession of quite lovely luster on the whole with some subtle toning.

Refs:*
Cohen, 85
BMC, 440
RIC IVii, 362, page 99
SEAR RCV II (2002), 8218, page 679

2 commentsTiathena
Julia_Mamea_Vesta2.jpg
Julia Mamaea - AR denariusRome
227 AD
draped bust right
IVLIA MA_MAEA AVG
Vesta standing left holding patera and scepter
VES_TA
SRCV II 8218, RSC III 85, RIC IV 362
2,90g 19,5mm
J. B.
Julia_Mamaea_RIC_364~0.JPG
Julia Mamaea, mother of Severus Alexander Obv: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, diademed, draped bust of Julia Mamaea facing right.

Rev: VESTA, Vesta, veiled, standing left, holding a patera in her right hand and a traverse spear in her left.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 227 AD

3.1 grams, 18 mm, 180°

RIC IVii S. Alexander 364, RSC 85, S8218, VM 11/2
Matt Inglima
JULIEN_II-RIC218.jpg
JULIEN II - LYON - RIC 218Silique réduite, 360-363, C5
A/FL CL IVLIA-NVS PP AVG
Claudius Flavius Iulianus Perpetuus Augustus, Flavius Claude Julien Perpétuel Auguste
Buste barbu à droite, diadémé (Perles), drapé et cuirassé.
R/VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X//LVG
Votis quinquennalibus/Multis decennalibus, Vœux pour le cinquième anniversaire de règne et plus pour les dix ans à venir
Légende en 4 lignes dans une couronne de lauriers fermée.
Argent - 2.02 gr - 1.7 mm - 7h
RIC VIII 218, RSC 163a
Siliquae
Julianus-II__AR-Siliqua_FL-CL-IVLIA-NVS-PP-AVG_VOTIS_V_MVLTIS_X_LVG_Lugdunum_RIC-VIII-218_p-_RSC-163a_360-3-AD_Q-001_0h_mm_gx-s~0.jpg
Lugdunum, RIC VIII 218, 153 Julianus-II. (360-363 A.D.), AR-Siliqua, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X in wreath, LVG, #1Lugdunum, RIC VIII 218, 153 Julianus-II. (360-363 A.D.), AR-Siliqua, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X in wreath, LVG, #1
avers: - FL-CL-IVLIA-NVS-PP-AVG, Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
revers: - No legend, VOTIS/V/MVLTIS/X in four line, in wreath.
exerg: -/-//LVG, diameter: 17mm, weight: 2,03g, axis: 0h,
mint: Lugdunum, date: 360-363 A.D., ref: RIC-VIII 218, p-,
Q-001
quadrans
1914_Lysias.jpg
Lysias - AE238-244 AD
veiled and draped bust of Boule right
ΒΟV_ΛΗ
Dionysos standing half left, holding kantharos and thyrsos; panther to the left
ΛVCΙ_ΑΔEΩΝ
RPC VII.1, 727.1; vA Phrygien II, 609–24; Martin, Demos, p. 218, Lysias 3
5,9g 21mm
ex Biga
J. B.
1p_copy.jpg
MacrinusAE 17, Macrinus, Antioch, ca. AD 217-218, Obv: AVTKMOMAKRINOCCE; Rev: D-C above and below SC, XF. BMC 383.Molinari
25_Macrinus.jpg
Macrinus (A.D. 217-218)AR Denarius, A.D. 217-218, Rome, 19.2 mm, 3.82g, 0°, EF, RIC IVii 59.
Obv: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG. Laureate, cuirassed bust right.
Rev: FELICITAS TEMPORVM. Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia.
Marti Vltori
magnentius_vot_k.jpg
Magnentius, AD 350-353Æ Centenionalis, 20mm, 4.4g, 6h; Rome mint, fourth group, AD 351-2
Obv.: D N MAGNEN-TIVS P F AVG, draped and cuirassed bust right, Γ behind.
Rev.: VICT DD NN AVGG ET CAESS, two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT V MVLT X, star below // RP
Reference: RIC VIII Rome 218, p. 268
John Anthony
nikopolis_pseudo_autonom_HrHJ(2015)8_0_1_1.jpg
Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 00. pseudo-autonomous, HrHJ (2020) 8.0.01.01Nikopolis, pseudo-autonomous, 2nd-3rd cent. AD
AE 14, 2.16g, 14.36mm, 0°
obv. NEIKO - POLITW - N
Laureate head of Apollo r.
rev. PROC - ICTRON
Eagle with half open wings stg. facing, head l.
ref. a) AMNG I/1, 1218, pl. III, 19 (1 ex., Imhoof)
b) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018) No. 8.0.1.1 (same dies)
very rare (R8), S+, dark green Patina

Pick writes: The head is surely unbearded and seems to be female. To name him for sure is not possible, but possibly it is the head of Nike who must have played the role of an eponymous goddess.

I think the coin is rarer than R8 because the pic in HrHJ (2015) is taken von the AMNG plate.
Jochen
nikopolis_AMNG1217(rev).jpg
Moesia inferior, Nikopolis ad Istrum, 00. pseudo-autonomous, HrHJ (2020) 8.0.08.01 (plate coin)AE 15, 2.14g, 14.41mm, 180°
struck 2nd/3rd century AD
obv. NEIKO - [POLEITW] - N (from upper left, 1st O as thick dot)
Youthful head of Apollo r.
rev. PRO[C I]CTRON (from upper right)
Bunch of vine-grapes hanging down from twig
ref. a) not in AMNG:
obv. AMNG I/1, 1218, pl. III, 19, same die (1 ex., Imhoof)
rev. AMNG I/1, 1217, pl. III, 18 (1 ex., Berlin)
b) Hristova/Hoeft/Jekov (2018) No.8.0.8.1 (plate coin)
very rare, VF, blue-green patina

Pick: The head is surely unbearded, and seems to be female due to the hair-do. It can't be
attributed for sure but possibly it is the head of Nike who must have played the role of an eponyme
goddess of Nikopolis.
1 commentsJochen
Constantius_II_2.jpg
RIC 8, p.218, 207 - Constantius II, Siliqua, wreathCONSTANTIUS II.
Reduced Siliqua, Arles
Obv.: DN CONSTANTIVS P F AVG, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust
Rev.: VOTIS/XXX/MVLTIS/XXXX within wreath, PCON
Ag, 17mm, 2.1 g
Ref.: RIC VIII, 207
shanxi
14296q00.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE - SEPTIMUS SEVERUSSilver denarius, RIC 97, RSC 212, BMC 218, gF, 2.734g, 17.8mm, 180o, Rome mint, 197 A.D.; obverse L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIIII, laureate head right; reverse HERCVLI DEFENS, Hercules standing right resting hand on club, holding bow and lion skindpaul7
TITUS.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE - TITUSSilver denarius (ANNONA) of Titus (79-81 AD) Attribution: - RSC 17, RIC V218, BMC V319
Size: 19 mm, 2.9 grams.
Notes: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS , laureate head right / ANNONA AVG, Annona seated left on throne, holding bundle of corn-ears on lap. Mint Rome. Struck 77 - 79 AD.
dpaul7
Elegabalas.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE / Emperor Elagabalus ( Reign 8 June 218 – 11 March 222)Emperor Elagabalus Silver Denarius.
Obverse: “IMP ANTO - NINVSAVG" Laureate, and draped bust right.
Reverse: “LAETIT - IA PVBL" Latetia standing left, holding wreath and rudder placed on globe.
aXF , 3.04 Gr. Max Dia 18.7.
Rome mint , RIC 95 (The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol.IV, Part II, #95)


Emperor Elagabalus (Reign 8 June 218 – 11 March 222 ) , Born in 203 or 204 A.D., Varius Avitus Bassianus was the grandson of Julia Maesa, the sister of Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, and mother of Caracalla. Soon after the assassination of Caracalla in 217, Domna committed suicide, while Maesa planned to overthrow Caracalla’s successor, Macrinus. Her choice fell upon her eldest grandson, who was the hereditary high priest of the sun God El-Gabal at Emesa. On May 16, 218, the boy was proclaimed Emperor by the Eastern armies. He took the name of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the same as Caracalla, whose son he claimed to be. He would be known to history as Elagabalus, referencing his fanatical loyalty to the Eastern God. He would win a victory over Macrinus near Antioch on June 8, with Macrinus being killed soon after.

One of Elagabalus’ first acts was the deification of Caracalla and Julia Domna. Coins were issued in their names, as well as Julia Maesa, and her daughter, Elagabalus’ mother, Julia Soamias. The three would reach Rome in the fall of 219 A.D. They promptly installed several of their Syrian compatriots in influential positions in the government, a fact resented by the Senate.
Elagabalus’ reign was a complete fiasco. While the earlier Severan emperors had introduced Eastern elements into the roman state religion, Elagabalus attempted to insert the worship of El-Gabal as the center of the state religion. He went as far as to “marry” the roman Goddess Minerva to El-Gabal, an act mimicked on an earthly plain by Elegabalus’ marriage to the Vestal Virgin, Aquilia Severa, an act which shocked Rome to its core.

Further, Elagabalus made no secret of being a passive homosexual, and in fact indulged his taste to its fullest. Rome was not used to an Emperor with painted eyes and rouged cheeks. As a counterbalance, his advisors forced him into a series of marriages, including the above mentioned Vestal. Between his religious extremism, and his public personal life, Elagabalus had earned the contempt and hatred of both Senate and people.

In 221, in an attempt to bolster his reign, Maesa and her second daughter, Julia Mamaea, convinced Elagabalus to adopt Mammea’s son Alexianus, as his heir. Alexianus took on the name of Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander. Alexander’s popularity soon aroused Elagabalus’ suspicions. He planned to have Alexander killed, but Maesa and Mamaea, instead had Elagabalus and his mother Julia Soaemias murdered by the Guard. Alexander would succeed his cousin on the throne.

From The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
Helena_FL-HELENA-AVGVSTA_SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICA__-SIS-crescent-in-crescent_RIC-VII-218-p-453-12-E10_c2_Siscia_328-29-AD__Q-001_axis-0h_18mm_3,05g-s.jpg
Roman Empire, Helena (? -329 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Siscia, RIC VII 218, -/-//ESIS Crescent in crescent, SECVRITAS REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, C2!,139 Helena (? -329 A.D.), AE-3 Follis, Siscia, RIC VII 218, -/-//ESIS Crescent in crescent, SECVRITAS REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, C2!,
avers:- FL-HELENA-AVGVSTA, 12,E10, Diademed, draped bust right, with two-row necklace.
revers:- SECVRITAS-REIPVBLICA, Securitas standing left, lowering branch with left hand, raising robe with right hand.
exergo: -/-//εSIS Crescent in crescent, diameter: 18mm, weight: 3,05g, axis: 0h,
mint: Siscia, date: 328-29 A.D., ref: RIC-VII-218, p-453, C2,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
Urbs-Roma_AE-18_VRBS-ROMA_TRS_palm_Trier_RIC-VII-561-p218_Q-004_axis-6h_15mm_1,69g-s.jpg
ROMAN EMPIRE, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (333-334 A.D.), Tier, RIC VII 561, AE-3, -/-//TRS, She-wolf left, C3!ROMAN EMPIRE, VRBS ROMA, Commemorative, (333-334 A.D.), Tier, RIC VII 561, AE-3, -/-//TRS, She-wolf left, C3!
avers: VRBS ROMA, Helmeted bust of Roma left.
reverse: She-wolf and twins, 2 stars above, palm branch between them.
exergue: -/-//TRS, diameter: 15,0 mm, weight: 1,69 g, axis: 6 h,
mint: Trier, date: 333-334 A.D., ref: RIC VII 561, p-218, C3!,
Q-001
quadrans
TONGZHI_S_1554_H_26_81-82.JPG
Schjöth 1554, Hartill (QC) 26.81-82 Type 1.1, Hartill (CCC) 22.1218, KM C 4-17Tongzhi (1862-1874)

1 cash (cast brass), 1862 [?] -1874 [?], Zhejiang Province (in Hangzhou), 20.5 mm.

Obv: Tongzhi tongbao.

Rev: Boo je.

Type 1.1 is comprised of coins with a square head tong and vertical dots on the tong.

Hartill (QC) rarity 8
Stkp
00002.jpg
Septimius Severus (RIC 218, Coin #2)RIC 218 (C), AR Denarius, Rome.
Obv: SEVERVS PIVS AVG Laureate head right.
Rev: P M TR P XVI COS III P P Concordia seated left on throne holding patera and sceptre.
Size: 19.3mm 2.96gm
MaynardGee
Septimius_Severus13.jpg
SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS Denarius RIC 218, ConcordiaOBV: SEVERVS PIVS AVG, laureate head right
REV: P M TR P XVI COS III P P, Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and sceptre
3.42g, 20mm

Minted at Rome, 208 AD
Legatus
Septimius_Severus_Hercules.jpg
Septimius Severus HerculesSeptimius Severus, Silver denarius, Rome, 197 AD, 15.7mm, 2.650g, RIC IV 97, RSC III 212, BMCRE V 218, SRCV II 6284
OBV: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP [VIIII], laureate head right
REV: HERCVLI DEFENS, Hercules standing right, naked except for Nemean lion skin draped on shoulder,
resting right on grounded club, bow in left

EX: Forvm Ancient Coins
1 commentsSRukke
7844_7845.jpg
Septimius Severus, Denarius, ARAB ADIAB COS II PPAR Denarius
Septimius Severus
Augustus: 193 - 211AD
Issued: 195 - 196AD
17.0mm 3.41gr 11h
O: L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII; Laureate head, right.
R: ARAD ADIAB COS II PP; Victory advancing left, holding wreath in right hand.
Rome Mint
RIC IV 64; RSC 50
Aorta: 53: B3, O56, R33, T218, M4.
Savoca Coins, 10th Blue Auction, Lot 1414
9/30/18 12/3/18
Nicholas Z
coins126.JPG
Severus Alexander Salus

Hygieia (Roman equivalent: Salus) was a daughter of Asclepius. She was the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation (and later: the moon), and played an important part in her father's cult (see also: asklepieion). While her father was more directly associated with healing, she was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health.

Though Hygieia had been the subject of a local cult since at least the 7th century BC, she did not begin to spread out until the Oracle at Delphi recognized her, and after the devastating Athens plague in 429 and 427 BC and in Rome in 293 BC. Her primary temples were in Epidaurus, Corinth, Cos and Pergamon.

Pausanias remarked that, at the asclepieion of Titane in Sicyon (founded by Alexanor, Asclepius' grandson), statues of Hygieia were covered by women's hair and pieces of Babylonian clothes. According to inscriptions, the same sacrifices were offered at Paros.

Ariphron, a Sicyonian artist from the 4th century BC wrote a well-known hymn celebrating her. Statues of Hygieia were created by Scopas, Bryaxis and Timotheus, among others.

She was often depicted as a young woman feeding a large snake that was wrapped around her body. Sometimes the snake would be drinking from a jar that she carried. These attributes were later adopted by the Gallo-Roman healing goddess, Sirona.

Severus Alexander Denarius, RIC 14, RSC 218, BMC 33
222 AD. IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right /P M TR P COS P P, Salus seated left, feeding snake arising from altar.

Base metal.
ecoli
Sicily,_Syracuse,Hieron-II(274-216BC)AE-19_Head_of_Persephone_left,Bull_butting_left,_above,_club_over_M,_IE_in_ex,Calciati_192M,Hoover1469,Sear-1218v_Q-001_h_19mm_g-s.jpg
Sicily, Syracuse, Hieron II. (274-216 B.C.), AE-19, Calciati 192M, Bull butting left,Sicily, Syracuse, Hieron II. (274-216 B.C.), AE-19, Calciati 192M, Bull butting left,
avers: ΣYΡAKOΣIΩN, Head of Persephone left, wreathed with corn, wearing earring and necklace.
revers: Club over M above bull butting left, IE in exergue.
exerg: -/-//IE, diameter: 18-19 mm, weight: 5,55g, axes: 5h,
mint: Sicily, Syracuse, Hieron II, date: 275-216 B.C., ref: Calciati 192M, Hoover 1469, Sear 1218, BMC 2.616ff, SNG ANS 580ff,
Q-001
1 commentsquadrans
hieron_trident.jpg
SICILY--SYRACUSE, HIERON IIHieron II
Tyrant: 275 - 215BC
AE 19.0mm 6.09g
O.: Diademed head of Poseidon left.
R: Ornamented trident head, dolphin downward flanking on each side, ΙΕΡΩ−ΝΟΣ in lower field divided by shank.
cf: BMC Sicily p. 218, 588 ff.; SNG Cop 844 ff.
laney
20170822_163945.jpg
SILVER OBOL OF AIOLIS KYME FROM 480 - 450 BC .OBVERSE – Head of Eagle Right, KY below
REVERSE – Incuse square punch
9.8 MM AND 1.01 GRAMS.
CNG E-218, lot 216
1 commentsCanaan
146_Constans,_Siscia,_RIC_VIII_218,_D_N_CONSTA-NS_P_F_AVG,_FEL_TEMP_REPA-RATIO,_BSISsymb2M,_Q-001,_h,_22,5mm,_g-s~0.jpg
Siscia, RIC VIII 218, 146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), AE-2 Follis, -/-//BSISsymbol2M, AE-2 Follis, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Tree, #1Siscia, RIC VIII 218, 146 Constans (333-337 A.D. Caesar, 337-350 A.D. Augustus), AE-2 Follis, -/-//BSISsymbol2M, AE-2 Follis, FEL TEMP REPARATIO, Tree, #1
avers: DN CONSTA NS P F AVG, Cn8, G3L, Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding globe.
reverse: FEL TEMP REPAR ATIO, Constans advancing right, dragging barbarian from hut under the tree.
exergue: -/-//BSISsymbol2M, diameter: 20,5-22,0mm, weight: 3,51g, axis: 11h,
mint: Siscia, date: 348-351 AD.,
ref: RIC VIII 218, p-,
Q-001
3 commentsquadrans
castulo_cop_218.jpg
Spain, Castulo bull, SNG Cop 218Castulo, Spain, 1st Century B.C. Bronze AE 21, SNG Cop 218, VF, rough dark patina, 6.900g, 25.5mm, 45o, obverse [CN VOC ST F], male head right; reverse [CN FVL CN F], bull right, crescent above, "Kastilo" in Iberian script in ex. ex FORVMPodiceps
Agathocles.jpg
Syracuse - AE hemilitronunder Agathocles
317-289 BC
head of Kore left wreathed with grain, amthora ?
ΣΥΡAKOΣIΩN
bull butting left, dolphin above and below
(NK)
cf. Calciati II p. 218, 96 DS 114 R1 4
8,13g 20mm
J. B.
Thasos_50~0.jpg
Thasos, Thrace525-463 B.C.
Silver Stater
7.75 gm, 23 mm
Obv.: Nude ithyphallic satyr advancing right carrying off protesting nymph, her right hand raised
Rev.: Quadripartite incuse square

Le Rider Thasiennes 5;
HGC 6, 331;
Sear 1746;
BMC Thrace p. 218, 24;
[SNG Copenhagen 1009-11]
Jaimelai
Thasos_30.jpg
Thasos, Thrace480-463 B.C.
Silver Stater
8.12 gm, 20 mm
Obv.: Naked ithyphallic Satyr in kneeling-running attitude advancing right carrying in his arms a struggling nymph, her right hand raised in protest; the Satyr has long beard and both figures have flowing hair indicated by streaming lines.
Rev.: Quadripartite incuse square
Le Rider Thasiennes 5;
HGC 6, 331;
Sear 1746;
BMC Thrace p. 218, 24;
[SNG Copenhagen 1009-11]

Jaimelai
byzantium_sev_alexander_SchnertGeissV281(av)_neu.jpg
Thracia, Byzantium, Severus Alexander, Schönert-Geiss V218 (obv.), unpublishedSeverus Alexander, AD 222-235
AE 25, 7.68g
obv. AVT KM AVR CEV ALEZA[NDROC] AVG
Bust, draped and cuirassed, laureate, r.
rev. BYZAZ
Head of Byzas, bearded, helmeted, r
F+/about VF, dark-green patina

The bust of Byzas was previously known only as an obv. type on pseudo-autonomous coins of Byzantium, which fall into five issues datable to [..] AD dates [...], since the same magistrates are named on their reverses as on portrait coins of the emperors. On [this] coin [...] the head of Byzas appears for the first time as a rev. type, on a coin of Sev. Alex. The obv. die of Sev. Alex. in question is Schönert-Geiss' V 218, also attested with four rev. types naming the magistrate Fronto. (Curtis Clay)
Jochen
Trajan_RIC_222.JPG
Trajan, 98 - 117 ADObv: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TRP COS V PP, laureate bust of Trajan, facing right, with slight drapery on left shoulder.

Rev: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, Dacian seated right, on a shield, in an attitude of mourning, wearing peaked cap and a long garment with long sleeves, a curved sword rests below.

Silver Denarius, Rome mint, 106 - 111 AD

3.19 grams, 19 mm, 225°

RIC II 222, RSC 218, S3268 (variety), VM 32/28

Ex: FORVM
2 commentsMatt Inglima
JIT_Kurzuwan_Tye_228_var.JPG
Tye 228.1 var. (pellet), Album 1735.1Khwarezm Shahs: Ala al Din Muhammad ibn Tekesh (567-596 A.H. = 1200-1220 A.D.).

AE jital, Kurzuwan mint, average silver content ca. 8%, average weight 2.7 g., 14.5 mm.

Obv., Kurzuwan, elephant standing facing left, pellet beneath.

Rev: as sultan / al-a’zam / Muhammad / bin as-sultan

The Khwarezm Shahs were a Persianate Sunni Muslim dynasty of Turkic mamluk origin. They ruled Greater Iran from approximately 1077 to 1231 A.D., first as vassals of the Seljuqs and Kara-Khitan, and later as independent rulers, up until the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

By 1217 Ala ad-Din Mohammed had conquered all the lands from the river Jaxartes to the Persian Gulf. He declared himself shah and demanded formal recognition from Caliph an-Nasir in Baghdad. When the caliph rejected his claim, Ala ad-Din Muhammad marched towards Baghdad. However, when crossing the Zagros Mountains, his army was caught in a blizzard and was decimated. In 1218, Genghis Khan attempted to initiate trade relations, but Ala ad-Din Mohammed believed this gesture was only a ploy to invade his land and arrested or executed the Mongol’s envoys. In 1219 Genghis retaliated and completely annihilated numerous Khwarezm cities. Ala ad-Din Mohammed fled and died several weeks later.
Stkp
JIT_Kurzuwan_Tye_228.JPG
Tye 228.1, Album 1735.1Khwarezm Shahs: Ala al Din Muhammad ibn Tekesh (567-596 A.H. = 1200-1220 A.D.).

AE jital, Kurzuwan mint, average silver content ca. 8%, average weight 2.7 g., 14 mm.

Obv., Kurzuwan, elephant standing facing left.

Rev: as sultan / al-a’zam / Muhammad / bin as-sultan

The Khwarezm Shahs were a Persianate Sunni Muslim dynasty of Turkic mamluk origin. They ruled Greater Iran from approximately 1077 to 1231 A.D., first as vassals of the Seljuqs and Kara-Khitan, and later as independent rulers, up until the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

By 1217 Ala ad-Din Mohammed had conquered all the lands from the river Jaxartes to the Persian Gulf. He declared himself shah and demanded formal recognition from Caliph an-Nasir in Baghdad. When the caliph rejected his claim, Ala ad-Din Muhammad marched towards Baghdad. However, when crossing the Zagros Mountains, his army was caught in a blizzard and was decimated. In 1218, Genghis Khan attempted to initiate trade relations, but Ala ad-Din Mohammed believed this gesture was only a ploy to invade his land and arrested or executed the Mongol’s envoys. In 1219 Genghis retaliated and completely annihilated numerous Khwarezm cities. Ala ad-Din Mohammed fled and died several weeks later.
1 commentsStkp
JIT_Tye_246_-.jpg
Tye 246.3/6, Album 1731.2Khwarezm Shahs: Ala al Din Muhammad ibn Tekesh (567-596 A.H. = 1200-1220 A.D.).

Billon jital, (average silver content 7%), Kurzuwan mint; 2.47 g. (average weight 2.6 g.), 17.30 mm.max., 0â—¦.

Obv.: Kurzuwan in center, surrounded by as sultan al-a’zam Muhammad bin as-sultan.

Rev: Allah / la ilah Allah / Muhammad rasul / al-Nasir.

The Khwarezm Shahs were a Persianate Sunni Muslim dynasty of Turkic mamluk origin. They ruled Greater Iran from approximately 1077 to 1231 A.D., first as vassals of the Seljuqs and Kara-Khitan, and later as independent rulers, up until the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

By 1217 Ala ad-Din Mohammed had conquered all the lands from the river Jaxartes to the Persian Gulf. He declared himself shah and demanded formal recognition from Caliph an-Nasir in Baghdad. When the caliph rejected his claim, Ala ad-Din Muhammad marched towards Baghdad. However, when crossing the Zagros Mountains, his army was caught in a blizzard and was decimated. In 1218, Genghis Khan attempted to initiate trade relations, but Ala ad-Din Mohammed believed this gesture was only a ploy to invade his land and arrested or executed the Mongol’s envoys. In 1219 Genghis retaliated and completely annihilated numerous Khwarezm cities. Ala ad-Din Mohammed fled and died several weeks later.

Tye rarity Common; Album rarity C.
Stkp
Valerian_RIC_218~0.JPG
Valerian I, 253 - 260 ADObv: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, radiate, draped bust of Valerian facing right.

Rev: PACATORI ORBIS, Jupiter seated left, holding a patera and a scepter; at his foot is an eagle.

Billon Antoninianus, Viminacium mint, 254 - 255 AD

3.2 grams, 20.4 mm, 0°

RIC Vi 218, RSC 145, S9953, VM 51
Matt Inglima
Vesta.jpg
VestaVesta was the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
She isn't equivalent of greek Hestia.
She is often depicted with Palladium which Aeneas brought from Troy according legend. Palladium was stored in her temple on forum.
Their priestess (Vestal Virgins) were tending holy fire which was renewed every 1. March.
Rites of Vesta ended in 394 and Vestal Virgins were disbanded by order of Theodosius I.

upleft: Antoninus Pius - AR denarius; Rome; 153-154 AD; Vesta holding simpulum and Palladium; RIC 229a, RSC 198; 3,11g 17-16 mm;
upright: Faustina I - AR denarius; Rome; 148-161 AD; Vesta holding Palladium and patera over lit altar; RSC 116; RIC 370.4; 3,19g 17-16 mm
downleft: Faustina I - AE As; Rome; 148-161 AD; Vesta holding palladium and torch; RIC 1178, Cohen 114, BMC 1581, sear5 #4648; 9,26g 27-26 mm
downright: Julia Mamaea - AR denarius; Rome; 222 AD; Vesta holding patera and scepter; RIC 362, BMC 440, S 8218, C 85; ??? g 20-18 mm
J. B.
SeverusAlexanderRIC70RSC325s.jpg
[1009a] Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC 70, RSC 325, S -, EF, Rome mint, 2.803g, 20.7mm, 0o, 227 A.D.; Obverse: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right; Reverse: P M TR P VI COS II P P, Emperor standing left, sacrificing from patera in right over a tripod, scroll in left; cameo-like obverse with toned portrait and legend and bright fields, slightly frosty surfaces, details of head on reverse figure unstruck, slightly irregular flan. Ex FORVM.

In this year Ardashir invaded Parthia and established the Sassanid Dynasty, which claimed direct descent from Xerxes and Darius. The Eastern power grew stronger and the threat to the Romans immense.

Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander was promoted from Caesar to Augustus after the murder of his cousin, Elagabalus. His reign was marked by great economic prosperity, and he enjoyed great success against the barbarian tribes. His mother Julia Mamaea was the real power in the empire, controlling her son's policies and even his personal life with great authority. Severus had an oratory where he prayed under the edict, written on the wall, "Do not unto others what you would not have done to yourself" and the images of various prophets including Mithras, Zoroaster, Abraham and Jesus. Mutinous soldiers led by Maximinus I murdered both Severus Alexander and his mother (Joseph Sermarini).

De Imeratoribus Romanis,
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors


Alexander Severus (A.D. 222-235)


Herbert W. Benario
Emory University

Introduction and Sources
"But as Alexander was a modest and dutiful youth, of only seventeen years of age, the reins of government were in the hands of two women, of his mother Mamaea, and of Maesa, his grandmother. After the death of the latter, who survived but a short time the elevation of Alexander, Mamaea remained the sole regent of her son and of the empire." (Gibbon, Decline and Fall, chap. 6: Modern Library Edition, p. 130)

"As the imperial system developed, it disclosed its various arcana one by one. How much does the personality of the ruler matter? Less and less, it should seem. Be he boy, buffoon, or philosopher, his conduct may not have much effect on the administration. Habit and routine took over, with groups and grades of bureaucrats at hand to fill the posts." (Syme, Emperors and Biography, 146)

The passages quoted above emphasize two important aspects of the principate of Severus Alexander (or Alexander Severus), his youth and the influence of women during his reign. The significance of the latter invites brief discourse about the four women known as the "Severan Julias," whose origin was Syria. Julia Domna became the second wife of Septimius Severus and bore him two sons, the later emperors Caracalla and Geta. Her role in the administration of her husband was significant, which her expansive titulature, "mother of the camp and the senate and the country," reflected. Her sister, Julia Maesa, had two daughters, each of whom produced a son who was to become emperor. Julia Soaemias was the mother of Elagabalus, and shared his fate when he was assassinated. Julia Mamaea bore Alexander, who succeeded his cousin; he was very young and hence much under the control of grandmother and mother. For the first time in its imperial history, the empire of Rome was de facto, though not de iure, governed by women.

The literary sources, while numerous, are limited in value. Chief among them, at least in scope, is the biography in the Historia Augusta, much the longest of all the lives in this peculiar collection. Though purporting to be the work of six authors in the early fourth century, it is now generally considered to have been produced by one author writing in the last years of this century. Spacious in its treatment of the emperor and extremely favorable to him on the whole, it has little historical merit, seeming rather an extended work of fiction. It must be used with the utmost caution.

Herodian, whose history covered the period 180-238, was a contemporary of Severus Alexander, and his coverage of the latter's reign is extensive. Another contemporary, Dio Cassius, who was consul in 229 and whose judgments would have been most valuable, is unfortunately useless here, since his history survives only in abbreviated form and covers barely a page of printed text for the whole reign (Book 80). Aurelius Victor, Eutropius, the Epitome de Caesaribus, and other Latin sources are extremely brief, informing us of only the occasional anecdote. Christian writers make minimal contribution; legal texts offer much instruction, particularly those dealing with or stemming from Ulpian; coins, inscriptions, papyri, and archaeology help fill the gaps left by the literary sources.

Early Life and Education
The future emperor was born in Arca Caesarea in Phoenicia on October 1, 208 although some sources put the date three years earlier (as Gibbon assumed, see above), the son of Gessius Marcianus, whose career advanced in the equestrian cursus, and of Julia Mamaea, niece of the then empress, Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. He was raised quietly and well educated, at the instance of his mother. He came into the public eye only in 218, when, after Macrinus' murder of Caracalla and accession to the purple, he and his mother were declared hostes publici. In June of that year, Elagabalus defeated Macrinus and succeeded him as emperor. Alexander and Mamaea were soon rehabilitated. As his cousin's activities, religious, political, and personal, became increasingly unacceptable, Alexander was drawn ever more into public life. In mid 221, he assumed the toga virilis, was adopted by Elagabalus as a colleague, was granted the name Alexander, and elevated to the rank of Caesar. There had been talk that he was the illegitimate child of Caracalla, which won him support among the army, and this was confirmed, at least for public consumption, by his filiation in the official titulature back to Septimius. He was now styled Imp. Caes. M. Aurelii Antonini Pii Felicis Aug. fil., divi Antonini Magni Pii nepos, divi Severi pronepos M. Aurelius Alexander, nobilissimus Caesar imperi et sacerdotis, princeps iuventutis. The connection with Septimius Severus was crucial, since he was the only one of these predecessors who had been deified. Alexander was about 12½ years old. Less than a year later, on March 13, 222, with the murder of Elagabalus, Alexander was hailed as emperor by the army. He considered this date as his dies imperii. He became thereby the youngest emperor in Rome's history. He was immediately thereafter given the titles of Augustus, pater patriae, and pontifex maximus.

His Principate; Grandmother, Mother, Ulpian
Having had no experience in government, the young emperor was largely dependent upon the two senior women in his life to guide his actions. His grandmother, Julia Maesa, may well have died as early as 223, so that his mother, Julia Mamaea, played the major role in the empire's administration from early on until the end. The only other figures who could rival her were the two Praetorian Prefects, both eminent jurists, Ulpian and Paulus, who are well-known to us because of the numerous citations of their legal views and administrative decisions preserved in the Corpus Iuris Civilis. Both were members of Alexander's consilium. Alexander attempted to restore some of the senate's prestige and functions, but with little success. He was even unable to protect Ulpian against the anger of the praetorians, who then murdered the jurist in 223.

Had his principate been peaceful, he might have developed into a significant emperor, certainly in comparison with his immediate predecessors. He was married once, in 225 to Sallustia Orbiana, who received the official titulature Sallustia Barbia Orbiana Augusta, but she was banished to Libya two years later. Her father, L. Seius Sallustius, was perhaps raised to the rank of Caesar by Alexander and was put to death in 227 on a charge of attempted murder of the emperor. The only other recorded uprising against Alexander is that of Taurinus, who was hailed as Augustus but drowned himself in the Euphrates.

According to the HA life, Alexander was a "good" person, and his mother certainly attempted to guide him well, but much of the last decade of his reign was preoccupied with serious military threats against the empire's prestige, nay existence. In those dangerous circumstances, his abilities, which had not earlier been honed, proved inadequate.

Domestic Policy
Perhaps the greatest service which Alexander furnished Rome, certainly at the beginning of his reign, was the return to a sense of sanity and tradition after the madness and fanaticism of Elagabalus. He is said to have honored and worshipped a variety of individuals, including Christ. His amiability assisted his relationship with the senate, which gained in honor under him without any real increase in its power. Besides jurists in high office, literary figures were also so distinguished; Marius Maximus, the biographer, and Dio Cassius, the historian, gained second consulships, the former in 223, the latter in 229.

The emperor's building program made its mark upon the face of Rome. The last of the eleven great aqueducts, the aqua Alexandrina, was put into service in 226; he also rebuilt the thermae Neronianae in the Campus Martius in the following year and gave them his own name. Of the other constructions, perhaps the most intriguing are the Diaetae Mammaeae, apartments which he built for his mother on the Palatine.

The Persian and German Wars
The first great external challenge appeared in the east, where the Parthian dynasty, which had ruled the Iranian plateau and other large areas for centuries, and who for long had been one of Rome's great rivals, was overthrown by the Persian family of the Sassanids by 227. They aspired to restore their domain to include all the Asian lands which had been ruled in the glory days of the Persian Empire. Since this included Asia Minor as well as all other eastern provinces, the stage was set for continuing clashes with Rome.

These began late in the decade, with significant success early on for the Sassanids. But Rome gradually developed a defense against these incursions, and ultimately the emperor, with his mother and staff, went to the east in 231. There actual military command rested in the hands of his generals, but his presence gave additional weight to the empire's policy. Persia's early successes soon faded as Rome's armies brought their power and experience to bear. The result was an acceptance of the status quo rather than a settlement between the parties. This occurred in 233 and Alexander returned to Rome. His presence in the west was required by a German threat, particularly along the Rhine, where the tribes took advantage of the withdrawal of Roman troops for the eastern war.

In 234, Alexander and Julia Mammaea moved to Moguntiacum (Mainz), the capital of Upper Germany. The military situation had improved with the return of troops from the east, and an ambitious offensive campaign was planned, for which a bridge was built across the Rhine. But Alexander preferred to negotiate for peace by buying off the enemy. This policy outraged the soldiers, who mutinied in mid March 235 and killed the emperor and his mother. He had reached the age of 26½ years and had been emperor for almost precisely half his life. He was deified by the senate and received other posthumous honors. With the accession of Maximinus Thrax, the Severan dynasty came to an end.

Death and Evaluation
Tacitus' famous dictum about Galba, that he was properly considered capax imperii, capable of being emperor, until he showed, when emperor, that he was not, could never have been applied to Severus Alexander. A child when chance brought him to the principate, with only two recommendations, that he was different from Elagabalus and that he was part of the Severan family, he proved to be inadequate for the challenges of the time. Military experience was the prime attribute of an emperor now, which Alexander did not have, and that lack ultimately cost him his life. Guided by his mother and employing the services of distinguished men, he returned dignity to the imperial household and to the state. He did the best he could, but that best was not good enough in the early decades of the third century A.D., with the great threats from east and north challenging Rome's primacy and, indeed, existence.

Copyright (C) 2001, Herbert W. Benario. Published on De Imeratoribus Romanis, An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors; http://www.roman-emperors.org/alexsev.htm . Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
SevAl.jpg
[1009b] Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D.Silver denarius, RIC 19, S -, aF, Rome, 2.806g, 20.0mm, 0o, 223 A.D.; obverse IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right; reverse P M TR P II COS P P, Jupiter standing left cloak over arms, holding long scepter and thunderbolt. Nice portrait. Ex FORVM.

Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander was promoted from Caesar to Augustus after the murder of his cousin, Elagabalus. His reign was marked by great economic prosperity, and he enjoyed great success against the barbarian tribes. His mother Julia Mamaea was the real power in the empire, controlling her son's policies and even his personal life with great authority. Severus had an oratory where he prayed under the edict, written on the wall, "Do not unto others what you would not have done to yourself" and the images of various prophets including Mithras, Zoroaster, Abraham and Jesus. Mutinous soldiers led by Maximinus I murdered both Severus Alexander and his mother (Joseph Sermarini).


De Imeratoribus Romanis,
An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors


Alexander Severus (A.D. 222-235)


Herbert W. Benario
Emory University

Introduction and Sources
"But as Alexander was a modest and dutiful youth, of only seventeen years of age, the reins of government were in the hands of two women, of his mother Mamaea, and of Maesa, his grandmother. After the death of the latter, who survived but a short time the elevation of Alexander, Mamaea remained the sole regent of her son and of the empire." (Gibbon, Decline and Fall, chap. 6: Modern Library Edition, p. 130)

"As the imperial system developed, it disclosed its various arcana one by one. How much does the personality of the ruler matter? Less and less, it should seem. Be he boy, buffoon, or philosopher, his conduct may not have much effect on the administration. Habit and routine took over, with groups and grades of bureaucrats at hand to fill the posts." (Syme, Emperors and Biography, 146)

The passages quoted above emphasize two important aspects of the principate of Severus Alexander (or Alexander Severus), his youth and the influence of women during his reign. The significance of the latter invites brief discourse about the four women known as the "Severan Julias," whose origin was Syria. Julia Domna became the second wife of Septimius Severus and bore him two sons, the later emperors Caracalla and Geta. Her role in the administration of her husband was significant, which her expansive titulature, "mother of the camp and the senate and the country," reflected. Her sister, Julia Maesa, had two daughters, each of whom produced a son who was to become emperor. Julia Soaemias was the mother of Elagabalus, and shared his fate when he was assassinated. Julia Mamaea bore Alexander, who succeeded his cousin; he was very young and hence much under the control of grandmother and mother. For the first time in its imperial history, the empire of Rome was de facto, though not de iure, governed by women.

The literary sources, while numerous, are limited in value. Chief among them, at least in scope, is the biography in the Historia Augusta, much the longest of all the lives in this peculiar collection. Though purporting to be the work of six authors in the early fourth century, it is now generally considered to have been produced by one author writing in the last years of this century. Spacious in its treatment of the emperor and extremely favorable to him on the whole, it has little historical merit, seeming rather an extended work of fiction. It must be used with the utmost caution.

Herodian, whose history covered the period 180-238, was a contemporary of Severus Alexander, and his coverage of the latter's reign is extensive. Another contemporary, Dio Cassius, who was consul in 229 and whose judgments would have been most valuable, is unfortunately useless here, since his history survives only in abbreviated form and covers barely a page of printed text for the whole reign (Book 80). Aurelius Victor, Eutropius, the Epitome de Caesaribus, and other Latin sources are extremely brief, informing us of only the occasional anecdote. Christian writers make minimal contribution; legal texts offer much instruction, particularly those dealing with or stemming from Ulpian; coins, inscriptions, papyri, and archaeology help fill the gaps left by the literary sources.

Early Life and Education
The future emperor was born in Arca Caesarea in Phoenicia on October 1, 208 although some sources put the date three years earlier (as Gibbon assumed, see above), the son of Gessius Marcianus, whose career advanced in the equestrian cursus, and of Julia Mamaea, niece of the then empress, Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus. He was raised quietly and well educated, at the instance of his mother. He came into the public eye only in 218, when, after Macrinus' murder of Caracalla and accession to the purple, he and his mother were declared hostes publici. In June of that year, Elagabalus defeated Macrinus and succeeded him as emperor. Alexander and Mamaea were soon rehabilitated. As his cousin's activities, religious, political, and personal, became increasingly unacceptable, Alexander was drawn ever more into public life. In mid 221, he assumed the toga virilis, was adopted by Elagabalus as a colleague, was granted the name Alexander, and elevated to the rank of Caesar. There had been talk that he was the illegitimate child of Caracalla, which won him support among the army, and this was confirmed, at least for public consumption, by his filiation in the official titulature back to Septimius. He was now styled Imp. Caes. M. Aurelii Antonini Pii Felicis Aug. fil., divi Antonini Magni Pii nepos, divi Severi pronepos M. Aurelius Alexander, nobilissimus Caesar imperi et sacerdotis, princeps iuventutis. The connection with Septimius Severus was crucial, since he was the only one of these predecessors who had been deified. Alexander was about 12½ years old. Less than a year later, on March 13, 222, with the murder of Elagabalus, Alexander was hailed as emperor by the army. He considered this date as his dies imperii. He became thereby the youngest emperor in Rome's history. He was immediately thereafter given the titles of Augustus, pater patriae, and pontifex maximus.

His Principate; Grandmother, Mother, Ulpian
Having had no experience in government, the young emperor was largely dependent upon the two senior women in his life to guide his actions. His grandmother, Julia Maesa, may well have died as early as 223, so that his mother, Julia Mamaea, played the major role in the empire's administration from early on until the end. The only other figures who could rival her were the two Praetorian Prefects, both eminent jurists, Ulpian and Paulus, who are well-known to us because of the numerous citations of their legal views and administrative decisions preserved in the Corpus Iuris Civilis. Both were members of Alexander's consilium. Alexander attempted to restore some of the senate's prestige and functions, but with little success. He was even unable to protect Ulpian against the anger of the praetorians, who then murdered the jurist in 223.

Had his principate been peaceful, he might have developed into a significant emperor, certainly in comparison with his immediate predecessors. He was married once, in 225 to Sallustia Orbiana, who received the official titulature Sallustia Barbia Orbiana Augusta, but she was banished to Libya two years later. Her father, L. Seius Sallustius, was perhaps raised to the rank of Caesar by Alexander and was put to death in 227 on a charge of attempted murder of the emperor. The only other recorded uprising against Alexander is that of Taurinus, who was hailed as Augustus but drowned himself in the Euphrates.

According to the HA life, Alexander was a "good" person, and his mother certainly attempted to guide him well, but much of the last decade of his reign was preoccupied with serious military threats against the empire's prestige, nay existence. In those dangerous circumstances, his abilities, which had not earlier been honed, proved inadequate.

Domestic Policy
Perhaps the greatest service which Alexander furnished Rome, certainly at the beginning of his reign, was the return to a sense of sanity and tradition after the madness and fanaticism of Elagabalus. He is said to have honored and worshipped a variety of individuals, including Christ. His amiability assisted his relationship with the senate, which gained in honor under him without any real increase in its power. Besides jurists in high office, literary figures were also so distinguished; Marius Maximus, the biographer, and Dio Cassius, the historian, gained second consulships, the former in 223, the latter in 229.

The emperor's building program made its mark upon the face of Rome. The last of the eleven great aqueducts, the aqua Alexandrina, was put into service in 226; he also rebuilt the thermae Neronianae in the Campus Martius in the following year and gave them his own name. Of the other constructions, perhaps the most intriguing are the Diaetae Mammaeae, apartments which he built for his mother on the Palatine.

The Persian and German Wars
The first great external challenge appeared in the east, where the Parthian dynasty, which had ruled the Iranian plateau and other large areas for centuries, and who for long had been one of Rome's great rivals, was overthrown by the Persian family of the Sassanids by 227. They aspired to restore their domain to include all the Asian lands which had been ruled in the glory days of the Persian Empire. Since this included Asia Minor as well as all other eastern provinces, the stage was set for continuing clashes with Rome.

These began late in the decade, with significant success early on for the Sassanids. But Rome gradually developed a defense against these incursions, and ultimately the emperor, with his mother and staff, went to the east in 231. There actual military command rested in the hands of his generals, but his presence gave additional weight to the empire's policy. Persia's early successes soon faded as Rome's armies brought their power and experience to bear. The result was an acceptance of the status quo rather than a settlement between the parties. This occurred in 233 and Alexander returned to Rome. His presence in the west was required by a German threat, particularly along the Rhine, where the tribes took advantage of the withdrawal of Roman troops for the eastern war.

In 234, Alexander and Julia Mammaea moved to Moguntiacum (Mainz), the capital of Upper Germany. The military situation had improved with the return of troops from the east, and an ambitious offensive campaign was planned, for which a bridge was built across the Rhine. But Alexander preferred to negotiate for peace by buying off the enemy. This policy outraged the soldiers, who mutinied in mid March 235 and killed the emperor and his mother. He had reached the age of 26½ years and had been emperor for almost precisely half his life. He was deified by the senate and received other posthumous honors. With the accession of Maximinus Thrax, the Severan dynasty came to an end.

Death and Evaluation
Tacitus' famous dictum about Galba, that he was properly considered capax imperii, capable of being emperor, until he showed, when emperor, that he was not, could never have been applied to Severus Alexander. A child when chance brought him to the principate, with only two recommendations, that he was different from Elagabalus and that he was part of the Severan family, he proved to be inadequate for the challenges of the time. Military experience was the prime attribute of an emperor now, which Alexander did not have, and that lack ultimately cost him his life. Guided by his mother and employing the services of distinguished men, he returned dignity to the imperial household and to the state. He did the best he could, but that best was not good enough in the early decades of the third century A.D., with the great threats from east and north challenging Rome's primacy and, indeed, existence.

Copyright (C) 2001, Herbert W. Benario. Published on De Imeratoribus Romanis, An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors; http://www.roman-emperors.org/alexsev.htm . Used by permission.

Edited by J. P. Fitzgerald, Jr.
Cleisthenes
 
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