Description
| Roman Provincial, Seleucis and Pieria, Severus Alexander, AE (bronze, 13.25g, 31mm), Antioch Mint, 222-235 AD | |
| Obv: AVT KAI [MAP AVP CŠO AĪŠ]ĪANĪPOC CŠ; radiate head of Severus Alexander to right | |
| Rev: ANTIOXŠĪ©N MHT[PO KOĪ], Tyche seated to left on rocks, head facing; to left, second Tyche standing facing, holding grain ears; to right, Severus Alexander standing facing, holding parazonium and crowning Tyche with wreath; to left, city goddess standing facing, holding rudder and cornucopiae; below, half-length figure of river god Orontes swimming to left; Ī-Š across fields, SHC in exergue | |
| Ref:Ā Cf. BMC Galatia etc. pg.208, 474 (lower denomination); McAlee 840 (var.) | Rarity/Choice: Scarce, VF (stripped patina otherwise, nice patina natural retoning and well centered) |
| Note: Severus Alexander was a Roman emperor who reigned from AD 222 to 235. His rule encompassed the provinces of Seleucis and Pieria, among others. Severus Alexander’s reign was marked by efforts to maintain stability amidst external threats and internal challenges. Coins like this from Antioch served as propaganda tools, promoting the emperor’s benevolence and the city’s prosperity.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The obverse features a radiate head of Severus Alexander facing right. The radiate crown signifies divine favor, and his draped portrait denotes his role as emperor and military leader. The reverse The reverse depicts a detailed scene: Tyche, the city goddess of Antioch, seated left on rocks, facing forward, symbolizing the city’s prosperity and protection. To the left stands another Tyche, holding grain ears, symbolizing agricultural abundance. Severus Alexander stands facing right, holding a parazonium (short sword) and crowning Tyche with a wreath, symbolizing his role as protector and benefactor. To the right stands a city goddess holding a rudder and cornucopiae (horn of plenty), symbols of navigation and prosperity. Below, a half-length figure of the river god Orontes swims leftward, representing the river flowing through Antioch. Ī-Š across fields, SHC in exergue, indicate mint marks and officina.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā The Ć 32mm coin of Severus Alexander from Antioch is a significant example of Roman provincial coinage. Its intricate design and symbolism reflect the emperor’s authority and the prosperity of Antioch under his rule, making it a valuable artifact for understanding Roman history and numismatics. |
