Roman Provincial Troas. Alexandreia. Severus Alexander AD 222-235. Bronze Æ

Under Emperor Severus Alexander (AD 222–235), the cities of Troas—notably Alexandria Troas, Ilium (Troy), and Assos—issued a variety of bronze provincial coins that blend Roman imperial portraiture with deeply local Greek iconography.

The obverse typically features a youthful, idealized bust of Severus Alexander, often draped and cuirassed, reflecting the emperor’s cultivated image as a mild and learned ruler.

Reverses from Troas are especially valued for their rich mythological themes: depictions of Athena Ilias, the cult statue of Apollo Smintheus, heroic scenes tied to the Trojan War, or city symbols such as grazing horses and city gates. These designs highlight the region’s pride in its legendary heritage and its long-standing Greek identity under Roman administration.

Struck in various small- to medium-size bronze denominations, Troas issues of Severus Alexander are appreciated for their distinctive artistry, local flavor, and the way they capture the intersection of imperial authority with the cultural memory of ancient Troy.