Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222-235, minted 231-235

Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222-235, minted 231-235, weight 3.04 g, diameter 19 mm. Obverse: laureate, draped bust right; legend IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. Reverse: Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left; legend SPES PVBLICA. Strike: hammered, well-centered on a full flan, die axis about 6 h. Toning: light silver-grey with discreet golden highlights in recessed areas. References: RIC IV 254c; BMCRE 891; RSC 591. Struck at Rome during the final years of Severus Alexander’s reign, this denarius formed part of the regular silver currency that circulated throughout the empire. The reverse image of Spes, the personification of hope, promoted confidence in the emperor’s leadership at a time of mounting military pressure on the frontiers. The issue belongs to the late Severan monetary series, which still maintained a relatively high silver content before the deeper debasements of later third-century rulers. These coins provide evidence for the administrative control of the mint at Rome and illustrate the propagandistic themes employed by Severus Alexander to reinforce stability and optimism among the populace and the legions.