Ancients - Severus Alexander denarius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by maridvnvm, Oct 12, 2014.

  1. maridvnvm

    maridvnvm Well-Known Member

    So here comes another coin. What made me buy this one?

    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Aidan_()

    Aidan_() Numismatic Contributor

    He's got a crack coming from his mouth?
     
  4. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    I can't seem to make it out, but there is something wrong with the obverse legend? It should read " IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG", but the letter next to to S doesn't look right. Also, with this legend Virtus should be facing right?
     
  5. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Is it the rare Ebola commemorative? My coin below is also missing something and has a common error but it may be unofficial rather than just Eastern.
    rx0240bb0822.jpg
     
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  6. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    The reverse legend is not complete?
     
  7. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Says VIRVS instead of Virtvs
     
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  8. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    It seems the engraver made a P instead of an E on the obverse, and also the T is missing from VIRTVS, but there are deeper mysteries in this coin.

    RIC does not record a Virtus-left reverse for the coins with IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG obverse legends. Virtus-left is listed with coins that have obverse legend IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG. And even then, the description of Virtus is, "Holding victory and resting hand on shield, spear against his left arm."

    However, on this coin, it appears to be the reverse type similar to the emperor standing left with down-turned spear, holding a globe, except it's Victory rather than a globe. (And he's not stepping on a helmet, but wearing one.)

    A very curious jumble of devices, legends, and errors.
     
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2014
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  9. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    In the meantime, can anyone tell me why I bought this denarius of Severus Alexander?

    salexander.jpg
     
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  10. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    *stevex6-self-edit*

    ???

    ... sorry, I rang-in too early
     
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2014
  11. maridvnvm

    maridvnvm Well-Known Member

    Yes. You got it folks. There are several factors interesting with this one.

    The VIRVS AVG legend is quite neat and having once been a software engineer appealed on multiple levels. I have seen one other example from the same die on the market.

    The coin is of eastern manufacture and the reverse type is unlisted for all the reasons identified by JA above. I have also seen one example of this reverse from the eastern mint with the correct VIRTVS legend.

    The coin copies the reverse from a type from Rome:-

    [​IMG]

    Martin
     
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