I received this coin from my grandmother, and don't know anything about it. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I've tried attaching the pictures. Thanks! Will
Wow! great looking coin. Its a sestertius of Severus Alexander. I'll see I can find the reference for it.
Reference info is below. Obv : IMP SEV ALE-XANDER AVG Laureate head right, with slight drapery over left shoulder Rev : P M TR P VIIII COS III P P / S-CSol, radiate, standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding globe, S-C to either side RIC 503
Severus Alexander 222-235 Æ Sestertius 230 AD Obv: IMP SEV ALE-XANDER AVG, Laureate bust of Alexander, right, drapery on left shoulder. Rev: P M TR P VIIII COS III P P, Sol holding globe, S - C. RIC Rome 503
Wow! Thanks you guys, for the help! So was this coin from about 230 AD, or is that when Severus Alexander was alive? Does the person holding a globe have any significance? Are the letters on the reverse just roman numerals? Thanks again! Will
Yes the coin is from around that time period. Sol is a Roman God, quick info can be found http://www.roman-empire.net/religion/sol.html And the S-C stands for senatus consulto," or "by the decree of the Senate.
No prob, in case your wondering about the value, it varies alot but it looks like its in good shape and it could go for about $100+.
Oh thanks for the info on the value. Is there anywhere to have it graded, like a PCGS for ancient world coins?
Majority of ancient collectors detest slabs & usually dont recommend it. Also ancients dont go by a set grading standard like U.S. & World coins. Each one is unique in its own way. If you really want it graded, NGC Ancients does slabbing but that particular coin, it isnt worth the trouble.
Ok thanks. This is my only coin from before 1900, so I apologize for my ignorance. Thanks again for you advice and help, I guess I'll just keep it in the box with the rest of my coins :yes:
To give you some additional information about the writing on your coin... IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG Imperator Severus Alexander Augustus P M TR P VIIII COS III P P Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potestas VIIII Consul III Pater Patriae Which in English means: High Priest, Tribunal Powers for Nine Years, Chief Magistrate for Three Years, Father of the Country The numbers for the titles held are what tells us that your coin was struck in the year 230 AD.
