Ancients: Severus Alexander (AD 222-235). AV aureus (20mm, 6.58 gm, 12h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5....

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Severus Alexander (AD 222-235). AV aureus (20mm, 6.58 gm, 12h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5. Rome, AD 226. IMP C M AVR SEV-ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped bust of Severus Alexander right, seen from behind / P M TR P V COS II P P, emperor standing facing, head left, sacrificing from patera in right hand over lit altar at left, scepter in left hand. RIC IV, Part II, 54. Calicó 3107. Gleaming, lustrous surfaces with a high-relief obverse portrait and exceptionally detailed reverse.

The reign of Severus Alexander presents the last relatively tranquil interlude before the mid-third century storm swept away the Pax Romana. Handsome and affable, the youth was really never more than a figurehead ruler, first for his grandmother, the formidable Julia Maesa, and then, after her death in AD 225/6, for his mother Julia Mamaea. As long as the Empire remained at peace, the arrangement worked relatively well; the government functioned smoothly and prosperity reigned. Later generations would view Alexander's reign as the last episode of a Golden Age and imbued him with all the attributes of an Ideal Prince. This rare and beautiful gold aureus was struck early in Alexander's reign and shows him more mature, yet still youthful, during his 18th year.

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