Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 7860; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) IV 190; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) III 32; Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 595-7, pl. 20 no. 597.

1967.18

Denarius of Severus Alexander

3.058 g. AD 228-231

Obv.: Head of Severus Alexander r., laureate; hair and beard close-cropped. IMP(erator) SEV(erus) ALEXAND(er) AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Annona standing r., holding in left hand rudder on globe and in right a modius (grain measure); left foot on prow. ANNONA AVG(usti).

Severus Alexander had become Caesar under Elagabalus in AD 221. When he became emperor in AD 222 he had not yet come of age and had an advisory council to help him rule. He continued to use the title Caesar until AD 229, but had already dropped it from some coins in 228. From AD 231 he took on the Antonine name Pius. These changes in name usage help to date Severus’ coins even when he does not specify his tribunician power (cf. on 1966.56).

The shorter hair-style here is in contrast to the hair and beards on the Antonine and earlier Severan emperors.

Annona, representing the grain supply, is a common type on imperial coins and appears in several different poses.

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 7860; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) IV 190; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) III 32; Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 595-7, pl. 20 no. 597.