Severus Alexander 222-235 AD. AR Denarius * "Alexander, the hope of the people."

Silver Denarius * Severus Alexander * "Spes"

Obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate & draped bust, right
Rev: SPES PVBLICA - Spes walking left, holding flower and raising skirt.

Mint: Rome
Struck: 232 AD.

Size: 18 mm.
Weight: 3.16 grams
Die axis: 0 degs.

Pretty, but slightly flat-luster, some tarnishing.

SEAR RCV II (2002), #7927, page 649
RIC IVii, 254c, page 89
RSC 546
Cohen 543

The coins of this type were minted between 231 and 235 AD, during the reign of Severus Alexander, who ruled from 222-235 AD. Alexander ruled the empire wisely and well, but was strongly influenced by his mother, Julia Mamaea. This was greatly resented by the army, and along with their perception of Alexander as unwarlike, caused the troops under Maximinus to rise against him, assassinating both Alexander and his mother in their camp near Mainz, Germany in 235 AD.