Well I tried to get my own pics but the camera on my phone is turning all photos a weird green so I guess its on its way out...worthless 2 year old iphone. Anyways below is my new Severus Alexander, hes another emperor I have wanted for awhile but couldnt decide on a reverse type. I loved the Spes version but they all seemed to go higher then what I wanted to pay for someone so common. I finally saw this victory reverse style and immediately liked it also. Found this for a very good price on Sayles and Lavender. Its my lightest Denarius and has one VERY high portrait relief & I liked the doubling around the face. The light porosity on the photo isnt as bad when seen in-hand. Severus Alexander (222 - 235 A.D.) Silver denarius 228 - 231 A.D O: IMP SEV ALE-XAND AVG, laureate head right. R: VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory standing right, left foot on helmet, inscribing VOT X on shield. 2.2g RIC IV 218 Edited to add a older photo before the green look appeared.
You may want to reconsider your opinion of Severus Alexander. Although he was dominated by his mother, he did show a great amount of tolerance, especially religious tolerance. Legend has it that he included in his personal pantheon of gods, a statue of the crucified leader of the Christian movement. Here is someone's site dedicated to the unfortunate emperor: http://www.severusalexander.com/why.htm Sadly, after his death, the poorly documented and confusing period of Roman history began (known as the "Third Century Crisis") and would continue till stability was returned to the empire by the emperor Diocletian. This was a period of turmoil, bloodshed, plague, revolt, and seemingly endless barbarian invasions that lasted nearly a half century, with several dozen emperors and usurpers. In retrospect, Severus Alexander was a weak, but thoughtful emperor who tragically became a victim of an empire in decline. guy
I honestly have no problem with S.A., several have told me he is a boring emperor and his coins dont sell well at all but honestly I find Gordian III more boring. I read up as much as I can with a emperor's coin I am interested in getting. Sometimes it sways me and sometimes I just like the darn coin.
I will admit that Sev. A isn't my least favorite emperor. I don't have too much of a problem with Gordian III. Elagabalus is probably my least favorite. My favorites include Severus Septimius, Hadrian, Claudius, Caligula, Constantine...there's probably around ten I really like.
No Trajan? Hmm, he and Augustus are what I would consider some of the finest emperors, along with Diocletian and Constantine. Anyway, excellent obverse Mat. Its one of those things, you wish the reverse was stronger, but in reality if it was there is a good chance the obverse would not have been so fully struck due to lack of metal. I think its outstanding protrait for a portrait gallery. Severus was not nearly the kid his cousin was. Elagabalus should be the most notorious Roman Emperor ever, not Caligula, maybe his name is just hard for everyone to pronounce! Having said that, I am still looking for a Elagabalus with a reverse of the Emessa stone. I really want that coin. Chris
Hmm, would think Nero & Commodus would be considered one of the notorious as well. Pius is probably my favorite emperor. I think many would love to have that coin, I know I would too. Im still awaiting the right Horned bust to pop up at a price I want to pay, not over $60.
I have not a lot of Severus Alexander coins, but just bought a new one two days ago, as I liked the depiction of Mars on reverse. Although he's not my prefered emperor, his coins are of decent+ style, with quite often a high relief on obverse as noted above and some nice reverses. Prices have not "rocketed" yet (not sure that verb exists in english). At least an emperor worth of considreation in terms of coin collecting Q
I like the mars reverse on that too. Nice details on the bust. Just surprised at the bad rap him and his coinage get....
Augustus definatly makes my list. So does Vespasian. Trajan is ok, but there's emperors I'd choose before him. stainless
