Severus Alexander

M. Aurelius Severus Alexander

Dynasty: Severans

Severus Alexander succeeded his cousin Elegabalus, who was murdered by the Praetorian Guard, in AD 222 at the age of around 13. His grandmother, Julia Maesa, continued to be the force behind the throne, along with his mother Julia Mamaea. Historians report the boy's reign to be one of sense and moderation, as he was guided by wise counsel, and his Grandmother was eager to avoid the same mistakes that were made in Elagabalus' reign. Severus Alexander, however, was unable to resist his mother's influence and, although reportedly disgusted by her greed and avarice, he never stopped her. He married Sallustia Orbiana in ca 225 but his mother grew jealous of her influence, or supposed influence on Alexander, and she was banished to Africa. Alexander's mild reign was unable to stop the ferocity of the guard, who in AD 223 murdered their own prefect Ulpian, in front of him. Severus Alexander successfully fought off an attack by the new Sassanid empire, but while facing a German attack on the northern frontiers, the army, proposing a Thracian peasant Maximinus as the new Emperor, murdered Alexander and his mother in AD 235

Obverse Legends on coins depicting Severus Alexander

For explanations of many of the abbreviations used in Roman imperial obverse legends, click here.

• DIVO ALEXANDRO
• IMP ALEXANDER PF AVG
• IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
• IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG IVLIA MAMAEA AVG MATER AVG
• IMP C ALEXANDER PF AVG
• IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
• IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG
• IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
• IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG
• IMP CAES M AVREL SEV ALEXANDER PIVS FELIX AVG
• IMP MARCO AVR SEV AL AV
• IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG
• IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG IVLIA MAMAEA AVG MAT AVG
• IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG IVLIA MAMAEA AVG MATER AVG
• IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG
• IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG
• IMP SEVERVS ALEXANDER AVG SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG
• M AVR ALEXANDER CAES
• M AVREL ALEXANDER AVG
• M AVREL ALEXANDER CAES

Coins of Severus Alexander currently available

	Severus Alexander Silver denarius issued AD 230 Obv: IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate bust right with drapery over far shoulder Rev: PM TRP VIIII COS III PP, Sol, radiate, nude except cloak over shoulders, standing left, raising right hand and holding whip Good Very Fine   |   AUD $180.00
	Severus Alexander and Cotys III, Bosporan Kingdom, Cotys III Billon stater issued AD 230 Obv: BACIΛEWC KOTYOC, Diademed draped bust of Cotys III right Rev: Draped bust of emperor right Fine   |   AUD $140.00