Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222-235, struck 228-231

Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222-235, struck 228-231, weight 3.15 g, diameter 19 mm. Obverse: laureate bust right; legend IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG. Reverse: Annona standing right, holding rudder set on globe in right hand and modius in left, left foot on prow; legend ANNONA AVG. Strike: typical high-pressure imperial hammer strike, generally well centred with full legends visible. Toning: light uniform grey with darker peripheral highlights. References: RIC IV 190a; RSC 26; BMCRE 592; Cohen 25. This denarius was produced at Rome during the middle years of Severus Alexander’s reign. The reverse type personifies Annona, the state grain supply, underscoring the emperor’s duty to secure and distribute food to the capital. The rudder on globe refers to control over maritime grain routes, the modius represents measured grain, and the prow alludes to shipping. Such types were common in periods when rulers sought to emphasize stability of provisioning, especially after earlier Severan military expenditures strained finances. The coin reflects continued Severan silver currency, averaging around 3 g, before the gradual weight reduction seen later in the third century.