CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
- Emperor:
- Severus Alexander
- Denomination:
- AE Sestertius
- Composition:
- Orichalcum
- Date:
- Struck 232 AD, Issue 15
- Obverse:
- IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, Bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, slight drapery on left shoulder, facing right
- Reverse:
- MARS - VLTOR, Mars helmeted, in military dress, walking right, holding transverse spear up right in right hand and shield on left arm; S C left and right, in field
- Reference:
- BMCRE VI 840; RIC IV 635b; Cohen IV 163 var. (bust draped right); Banti 47; SRCV II 7979
- Size:
- 30.54mm, 19.9g, 12h
- Province:
- Rome mint
- Grade:
- gVF, well centred, attractive dark-green patina
- Provenance:
- Ex Classical Numismatic Group eAuction 410 (29 November 2017), Lot 1083 (part of)
Severus Alexander was Roman Emperor from 222 to 235 AD. He was the last emperor of the Severan dynasty. His death marked the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, during which the Roman Empire would almost crumble. He was assassinated in 235 AD by mutinous soldiers paving the way for Maximus to become Roman Emperor. This coin was issued late into his reign by which stage he had developed a fully grown beard. The reverse legend, MARS VLTOR, translates to 'Mars the Avenger' the cult of which was earlier established by the Roman Emperor Augustus.
I, Peter A. Piliouras of Ancient Coin Traders irrevocably guarantee for life to the Purchaser that this ancient coin is authentic. If this coin is deemed not to be authentic by a professional certification service, then I will refund to the Purchaser the full cost of acquiring the coin (including shipping) together with the certification fees.
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Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras
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Date