Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222–235, struck 222–228

Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222–235, struck 222–228, weight 2.85 g, diameter 19 mm. Obverse: laureate, draped bust right; legend IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG. Reverse: Pax, draped, running left, holding olive branch in right hand and sceptre in left; legend PAX AVG. Strike: hammered Roman Imperial production, well-centered with full legends, die axis about 6 h. Toning: light grey with slight golden iridescence. References: RIC IV 168; BMCRE 745; Cohen 174. Early in Severus Alexander’s reign the Rome mint continued issuing silver denarii at a fineness still close to earlier Severan standards, before the accelerated debasement that followed his death. The Pax type was intended to assure civil and military audiences that the new emperor would restore stability after the upheavals that removed Elagabalus. The running figure of Pax with olive branch echoed contemporary diplomatic efforts on the Rhine and eastern frontiers, while the sceptre affirmed imperial authority. Such denarii functioned as soldiers’ pay and everyday trade coinage, making them a principal vehicle for broadcasting the emperor’s image and political program across the provinces.