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

Severus Alexander, denarius, silver, reign 222-235, minted 231-235, weight 3.1 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 hand; legend SPES PVBLICA. Strike is centered with full legend; toning is uniform light grey. References: RIC IV Severus Alexander 254c. This denarius was issued during the later years of the reign of Severus Alexander, a Roman emperor of the Severan dynasty. The reverse type depicting Spes, the personification of hope, was a common motif in Roman imperial coinage, symbolizing optimism for the stability and future of the empire. The legend SPES PVBLICA referred to the hope or welfare of the Roman state. This coin was produced during a period of relative peace compared to later in the third century, though military pressures along the frontiers were increasing, particularly from the Sassanian Empire in the East. Coins of this type circulated widely within the Roman monetary system and formed part of the regular denarius issues from the mint of Rome.