Emperors of Rome - A (Chronological) Portrait Gallery

[mc9]

My favorite Severian portraits on silver coins:

Severus Alexander :

IMP C M AVR SEV - ALEXAND AVG : laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right

P M TR P V - COS II PP : Severus Alexander standing left, sacrificing from patera over altar and holding scroll.

Denarius, AD 226, Rome, . RIC IVb 55

Orbiana :

SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG : Her diademed and draped bust right

CONCORDI - A - AVGG : Concordia on chair left, holding patera and cornucopiae;

Denarius, Rome, A.D. 225, RIC IV II 319 

Julia Mamaea :

IVLIA MA-MAEA AVG : diademed and draped bust right

FELICIT- AS PVBLICA : Felicitas standing left, left leg crossed, holding caduceus in right hand and leaning left elbow on draped column.

Denarius, A.D.228 AD, RIC IV 335

Edited February 12, 2023 by mc9

[mc9]

On bronzes :

Severus Alexander:

IMP SEV ALE - XANDER AVG : laureate bust to right, with slight drapery over left shoulder

P M TR P VIII COS III P P: Libertas standing facing, head to left, holding pileus and transverse spear; S-C across fields

Sestertius. Rome, AD 229, RIC IV 492

 

IMP ALEXAN - DER PIVS AVG, radiate head right, slight drapery on left shoulder

PROVIDENTIA AVG, S-C, Provide - ntia standing left, holding cornucopia and grain ears over modius

Dupondius, Rome mint, A.D. 232, RIC 643

Julia Mamaea :

IVLIA MAMAEA - AVGVSTA : diademed and draped bust right

VESTA : Vesta, veiled, standing left, holding palladium and sceptre; S-C across fields

Sestertius. Rome, AD 222-235, RIC IV 708

Edited February 12, 2023 by mc9

[shanxi]

Severus Alexander

Severus Alexander
Alexandria
Billon-Tetradrachm
Obv.: A KAI MAP AYP CEY AΛEΞANΔPOC EVC, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust
Rev.: LI (year 10 = 230/231), Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia; palm frond to right
Billon, 12.62g, 24mm
Ref.: Dattari 4377 (var. (legend)), Milne 3042

[Limes]

I only have one coin remaining, but I really like it because of the lovely portrait: 

[Spaniard]

My favourite eastern portrait..

Severus Alexander. 222-235 AD. AR Denarius (3.12 gm, 20mm). Antioch mint. Struck 222 AD.
Obv.: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right.
Rev.: P M TR P COS P P, Fortuna standing left holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae; star in left field.
RIC #267. gVF.

From Rome..

Severus Alexander. 222-235 AD. AR Denarius (2.89 gm, 20mm). Rome mint. Struck 228 AD.
Obv.: IMP SEV ALE-XAND AVG, laureate head right.
Rev.: PM TRPVII COSII PP , Mars standing right, holding shield and spear.
RIC IV 83; BMCRE 503; RSC 337. aEF.

And mum...

Julia Mamaea. Augusta, 222-235 AD. AR Denarius (2,81 gm, 19mm). Rome mint. Struck 222 AD.
Obverse: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, bare headed, draped bust right.
Reverse: IVNO CONS-E-RVATRIX, Juno standing slightly left, holding patera and scepter; to left, peacock standing left.
RIC IV 343 (Severus Alexander); BMCRRE 43-5 (Severus Alexander); RSC 35. gVF.

[ambr0zie]

My favorite Severus Alexander portrait 

Severus Alexander. A.D. 222-235. AR denarius 
RIC 173
222-228
IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand in right hand and sceptre in left hand ; at feet, a globe 
 

Mamaea:

Julia Mamaea. Augusta AD 225-235. Rome
Denarius AR 20 mm., 2,26 g.
Daughter of Julia Maesa, mother of Severus Alexander. 
RIC IV Severus Alexander 360     
Date Range: AD 225 - AD 235 
IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, bust of Julia Mamaea, diademed, right 
VESTA, Vesta, veiled, draped, standing left, holding palladium in right hand and up-right sceptre in left hand
 

 

Orbiana

Orbiana AD 227. Rome
Denarius AR
17 mm, 2,68 g
SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, bust of Orbiana, diademed, draped, right / CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and double cornucopiae in left hand 
RIC IV Severus Alexander 319; BMC 287-290; RSC 1
 

[Julius Germanicus]

An "elegant early portrait" (David Sear) on my favourite Sestertius of Severus Alexander:

 

[Prieure de Sion]

Ahhhh now it`s time for the ...

 

 

Unfortunately, I don't have that much to choose from, so I only have a few coins with a portrait that I could really like. First of all, an abstract portrait of little Alexander from the Bosporus. 

 

Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander

Stater of the Cimmerian Bosporus Empire Period 228/229 AD; Material: Silver-Gold Elektron (Whitegold); Diameter:20mm; Weight: 6.86g; Mint: Pantikapaion, Kingdom of the Bosporus; Reference: MacDonald 583; Provenance: Ex Naumann Vienna Collection; Obverse: Draped bust of Divus Rhescuporis II or III with diadema to the right. In front of it two characters ΘЄ. Inscription: ΒΑϹΙΛƐΩϹ · ΡΗϹΚΟΥΠΟΡΙΔΟϹ · ΘƐ for Basileos Rheskouporis Theos (θεός) means Basileus (King) Rhescuporis God (deity); Reverse: Bust of Severus Alexander with laurel wreath to the right. In front of it a globe. Inscription: ƐΚΦ for Epsilon (5) + Kappa (20) + Phi (500) = 525 (Dated year 525 of the Bosporan era = 228/229 AD).

 

Then I like these two portraits of the coming two denarii. They are stylistically clean and beautiful, but they are also two mass-produced coins, so nothing special in themselves.

Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander

Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 231/235 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.02g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC IV Severus Alexander 238; Obverse: You can see the cuirassed, draped bust of Severus Alexander facing right, wearing a laurel wreath. The inscription reads: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG for Imperator Alexander Pius Augustus; Reverse: You can see the naked god Iuppiter, only provided with a cloak. Head turned to the right, body standing in martial stance with right leg to the left. In his right hand ready to hurl a bolt of lightning, while in his outstretched left hand he holds an eagle. The inscription reads: IOVI PROPVGNATORI for Iovi Propugnatori (Iuppiter the defender, protector).

 

Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander

Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 232 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 2.82g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC IV Severus Alexander 120; Obverse: You can see the draped bust of Severus Alexander facing right, wearing a laurel wreath. The inscription reads: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG für Imperator Alexander Pius Augustus; Reverse: You can see the god Sol with a crown of rays advancing to the left, dressed naked except for a cloak that lies over his left shoulder. The right arm is raised while in the left hand he holds a whip. The inscription reads: P M TR P XII COS III P P for Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potestas (for the twelfth time) Consul (for the third time) Pater Patriae.

 

 

I also find this youthful fine portrait of a provincial bronze very beautiful and I liked it.

 

Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander

Under the praetorian legate Umbrius Tereventinus; Province Bronze of the Roman Imperial period 222/226 AD; Material: AE; Diameter: 26mm; Weight: 11.09g; Mint: Marcianopolis, Moesia Inferior; Reference: Varbanov GIC I 1695, Hristova Jekov 6.32.36.26 var; Obverse: You can see the draped bust of Severus Alexander facing right, wearing a laurel wreath. The inscription reads: ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΥΡ ΣΕΥΗ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ; Reverse: The goddess is shown standing to the left. In her outstretched right hand she holds a patera (libation bowl) over a small altar, in her left hand a cornucopia. The inscription reads: ΗΓ ΟΥΜ ΤΕΡΕΒΕΝΤΙΝΟΥ ΜΑΡΚΙΑΝΟΠΟΛ(Ε)ΙΤΩΝ.

 

 

 

I really like this portrait of his mother Julia Mamaea - a portrait that is a bit different from the normal known profiles.

 

Iulia Avita Mamaea

Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 225/235 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 2.71g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC IV Severus Alexander 343; Obverse: You can see the draped bust of Iulia Avita Mamaea with a diadem facing right. The inscription reads: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG for Iulia Mamaea Augusta; Reverse: You can see the veiled goddess Iuno standing to the left. She holds a patera (libation bowl) in her right hand and a scepter in her left hand. A peacock is depicted at her feet in front of her. The inscription reads: IVNO CONSERVATRIX for Iuno Conservatrix (Iuno the protector, keeper).

 

 

 

[Octavius]

 Three denarii of Severus and one of his mother . Mamaea.

I  think my favorite portrait is the one of his mother...

[kapphnwn]

Denarius of Severus Alexander 232 AD Obv Bust right laureate draped and cuirassed seen from front Rv Spes walking left RIC 254 3.49 grms 19 mm 

[Octavius]

 Three sestertii of Severus Alexander - my favorite portrait is the last - with Mars Ultor. I like his confident smile.

[Jims,Coins]

My favorite Provincial:

Bronze Coin (AE 21) minted at Nicaea during the reign of SEVERUS ALEXANDER between 222 - 235 A.D. Obv. M.AYP.CEV.AAEZANAPOC.AVT.: Laur. hd. r. Rev. NIKAIE/UN.: Three standards. GIC #3287.

Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted during the reign of SEVERUS ALEXANDER between 222 - 228 A.D. Obv. IMP.C.M.AVR.SEV.ALEXAND.AVG.: laur. bust r., draped. Rev. VICTORIA.AVG.: Victory running l., holding wreath and palm. RSCIII #564. RICIV #180

Silver Coin (AR Denarius) minted for JULIA MAMAEA, mother of SEVERUS ALEXANDER, between 222 - 235 A.D. Obv. IVLIA.MAMAEA.AVG.: bust dr. r. wearing diadem. Rev. VESTA.: Vesta veiled, standing half-left, holding palladium and upright sceptre. RCS #2315. RSCIII #81. RICIV #360. DVM #11/1

Edited February 12, 2023 by Jims,Coins

[Ursus]

Here are three of mine, starting with a very young portrait that still resembles Severus Alexander's rare coins as Caesar:

Severus Alexander, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 222 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG; bust of Severus Alexander, laureate and draped, r. Rev: P M TR P COS P P; Libertas, draped, standing l., holding pileus in r. hand and cornucopiae in l. hand. 19mm, 2.68 g. Ref: RIC IV Severus Alexander 11d.

Severus Alexander, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 224 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG; bust of Severus Alexander, laureate and draped, r. Rev: P M TR P III COS P P; Mars standing l., helmeted and in military attire, holding spear and branch. 18mm, 3.21g. Ref: RIC RIC IV Severus Alexander 37. Ex TheRed collection; ex AMCC 2, lot 174.

Severus Alexander, Roman Empire, AE sestertius, 234 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG; bust of Severus Alexander, laureate, draped, r. Rev: P M TR P XIII COS III P P; Sol, radiate, walking l., raising r. hand and holding whip in l. hand; in fields flanking, SC. 31mm, 18.59g. Ref: RIC IV Severus Alexander 538c. Ex Leipziger Münzhandlung und Auktion (Heidrun Höhn), e-Live Auktion 12, lot 745.

[Shea19]

My two favorites of Sev Alexander:

Severus Alexander, AR Denarius, 232 A.D., Rome,  (19 mm, 3.29 g), IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander to right./ Rev. SPES PVBLICA Spes advancing left, holding flower in her right hand and raising skirt with her left. RIC 254

Severus Alexander. AR denarius (20.6 mm, 3.18 g). Rome mint, struck A.D. 232. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander right / IOVI PROPVGNATORI, Jupiter standing right, hurling thunderbolt and holding eagle. RIC 238

This denarius of young Sev is slightly double-struck, so it looks like he has two noses:

And a denarius and sestertius of his supervisor (with matching Felicitas reverses):

Julia Mamaea, AR Denarius. Rome, 228 A.D. (20mm, 2.13g), IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, diademed and draped bust to right / FELICITAS PVBLICA, Felicitas standing facing, head to left, legs crossed, holding caduceus and leaning on column. RIC IV 335 (Alexander)

Julia Mamaea, AR Sestertius (30mm, 20.27g), Draped bust r., wearing stephane./ Rev. Felicitas standing l., holding caduceus and leaning on column. RIC 676.
 

[John Conduitt]

Severus Alexander Denarius, 228

Rome. Silver, 18mm, 2.45g. Laureate, draped bust right; IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG. Perpetuitas standing left, leaning on column, legs crossed, holding globe and sceptre; PERPETVITATI AVG (RIC 208). Found in Yorkshire.

[Romancollector]

I have two coins of Severus Alexander, one commemorating his third consulship and the other depicting Spes. A few posters seem to have the latter. Unfortunately, I don't have a coin of Mamaea or Orbiana.

[Herodotus]

Severus Alexander. (AD 222-235). AR Denarius. Rome mint. 

Struck (AD 228)

OBVERSE: IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG; Laureate head right.

REVERSE: VIRTVS AVG; Severus Alexander (as Romulus) advancing right, holding transverse spear and trophy.

RIC IV 224

[kapphnwn]

Julia Mamaea Ar Denarius 226 AD Obv Bust right draped and wearing a stephane Rv Vesta standing left holding Palladium and scepter RIC 360  3.44 grms 19 mm Photo by W. Hansen Current still my coin

The sharp eyed among you may have noticed that this coin is currently being offered in an auction.

Edited February 13, 2023 by kapphnwn

[shanxi]

Orbiana

Orbiana
AR Denarius. Rome, AD 225-227
Obv.: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, Draped bust right, wearing stephane
Rev.: CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopia
Ag, 2.84g, 18.9mm
Ref.: RIC IV 319, RSC 1, CRE 497 [C]

[shanxi]

Julia Mamaea

Julia Mamaea
AR-Denar
Obv.: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, Bust of Julia Mamaea, draped, right
Rev.: IVNO CONSERVATRIX, Juno, diademed, veiled, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at feet, peacock
Ag, 20mm, 3.33g
Ref.: RIC IVb, 343

[DonnaML]

After hitting a peak during the Antonine and early Severan periods, my "coin per Emperor" ratio is already in serious decline, and although it rises briefly for Philip I & family, for Gallienus, and for Probus to a lesser extent, it never reaches those heights again. But that's all just a product of what holds my interest, so I'm hardly complaining!

Here are a few coins for Severus Alexander & his immediate family.  As a devoted reader of Harry Sidebottom's novels, I always think of Severus's (and his mother's) assassination in 235 as representing the opening scene (chronologically) of the long series of "Iron and Rust" and Ballista novels. Which are still being published, and are currently still in Gallienus's reign 30 years later.

Severus Alexander AR Denarius 225 AD Rome Mint. Obv. Laureate head right, IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG. / Rev. Fides standing facing, head left, holding standard in each hand, FIDES - MIL - ITVM. RIC IV-2 139, RSC III 52, Sear RCV II 7864. 19 mm., 2.9 g.

Severus Alexander AR Denarius 232 AD Rome Mint. Obv. Laureate and draped bust right, seen from front, IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG/ Rev. Mars Ultor (“Mars the Avenger”) advancing right in military dress, holding transverse, spear and shield, cape flying behind, MARS VLTOR. RIC IV-2 246, RSC III 161a (ill.), Sear RCV II 7882 (ill.), BMCRE 831. 20 mm., 2.91 g.

Severus Alexander, AE 22, AD 218-222, Mysia, Parion. Obv. Laureate bust right, wearing cuirass with Gorgoneion, seen from front, IMP CAEƧ L ƧEP ƧEV ALEXANDER (all S retrograde) / Rev. Asklepios seated right on throne, with right hand extended, holding and examining raised right fore-hoof of bovid (bull or cow) standing left with head raised towards his face, DEO AE ƧVB above, C G H I P [Colonia Gemella Hadriana Iulia Pariana] in exergue.* RPC VI Online 3871 (temp.) (see https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/6/3871). 20.03 mm., 4.24 g. Purchased from Lodge Antiquities, UK, Jan. 2022.

*According to RPC VI 3871, the (blundered) reverse legend “is presumably an attempt at DEO AESCVLAP.” But see https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?param=85231q00.jpg&vpar=1901&zpg=91146&fld=, stating that DEO AE ƧVB stands for “Deo Aesculapius subvenienti - to Aesculapius, the god who helps.”

Along with a similar reverse on a coin of Commodus from the same location (see RPC IV.2 Online 3164 [temp.]), this is a rare depiction on an ancient coin of a veterinarian at work.

Sallustia Orbiana (wife of Severus Alexander) AR Denarius 225-227 AD. Rome mint. Special marriage emission of Severus Alexander, AD 225. Obv: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, Draped bust right, wearing stephane/  Rev: CONCORDIA AVGG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC IV-2 319 (Sev. Alexander); RSC III 1, BMCRE 287 (Sev. Alexander). 19 mm., 3.5 g. 

Julia Mamaea (mother of Severus Alexander), AR Denarius. Obv. Bust draped right wearing diadem (stephane), IVLIA MAMAEA AVG/ Rev. Venus stdg. front, head left, holding helmet & scepter, shield leans against her at left. VENVS VICTRIX. RIC IV-2 358, RSC III 76 (ill.), Sear RCV II 8216 (ill.), BMCRE 713. 20.5 mm., 2.88 g.

[Prieure de Sion]

14 minutes ago, DonnaML said:

Severus Alexander, AE 22, AD 218-222, Mysia, Parion. Obv. Laureate bust right, wearing cuirass with Gorgoneion, seen from front, IMP CAEƧ L ƧEP ƧEV ALEXANDER (all S retrograde) / Rev. Asklepios seated right on throne, with right hand extended, holding and examining raised right fore-hoof of bovid (bull or cow) standing left with head raised towards his face, DEO AE ƧVB above, C G H I P [Colonia Gemella Hadriana Iulia Pariana] in exergue.* RPC VI Online 3871 (temp.) (see https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/6/3871). 20.03 mm., 4.24 g. Purchased from Lodge Antiquities, UK, Jan. 2022.

Ahhh! Thats a great example! Fantastic!

[Severus Alexander]

Before the switch (if I'm fast enough!) I'll post a few more portraits I like.  I missed posting during the Elagabalus days, but since he was Sev's cousin I'll squeeze him in here. 🙂 I have portraits of the entire family except for Annia Faustina, but I'll only include ones that I think have something special or interesting about them.

First, some additional Sev Alex, beginning with a denarius as Caesar:

Definitely something Elagabalus-like on these early portraits, don't you think?

Now a real baby Sev from Alexandria:

Also from Alexandria, with Rome mint dies (and possibly even produced in Rome):

(Very grateful to @dougsmit for trading this coin to me!)

My favourite Sev portrait on a middle bronze is probably this one:

And finally an eastern mint portrait in the "crisp hair" style:

OK, enough Sev already!  Now for his mum.  I like the portrait on this first-issue denarius:

As well as these very youthful images on middle bronzes:

She looks like Orbiana on the first one, I think! And thanks to @Qcumbor for alerting me to the second. 👍

Speaking of Orbiana:

A bit worn on the obverse, but nice style. Thanks to @Prieure de Sion for letting this one go! ☺️

Your patience is no doubt wearing thin after all these coins, so for Elagabalus and family I'll just drop two. First, the link from SA to Elagabalus is Julia Maesa (in fact it's possible this coin was issued under SA rather than his cousin):

My favourite portrait of Elagabalus is probably this provincial, and the Triptolemos reverse is cool too!

^ from Nikopolis ad Istrum

I promise to be more restrained for upcoming emperors... 🙃

 

[CPK]

Beautiful portraits!

It's time to move to the next Emperor - Maximinus Thrax:

 

Unfortunately I'm too pressed for time tonight to give some background history but...let's see your favorite portrait coins of this interesting Emperor!

[Roman Collector]

This one's my favorite portrait because he so clearly has acromegaly here.

Maximinus I, AD 235-238.
Roman Æ Sestertius, 26.7 mm, 18.01 gm.
Rome, AD 236-238.
Obv: MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust, right.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTI SC, Salus enthroned left, feeding snake arising from altar.
Refs: RIC-85; BMCRE-175, Sear-8338; Cohen-92.

His late wife:

Paulina, late wife of Maximinus Thrax.
Roman AR Denarius, 3.30 g, 21.1 mm.
Rome mint, AD 235-238.
Obv: DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust, right.
Rev: CONSECRATIO, Paulina seated to left on peacock flying right.
Refs: RIC 2; BMCRE 127; RCV 2369.

His son:

Maximus, Caesar AD 235/6-238.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 21.54 g, 31.5 mm, 12 h.
Rome, 3rd emission, late AD 236-237.
Obv: MAXIMVS CAES GERM, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS S C, Maximus standing left in military dress, holding baton in right hand and transverse spear in left hand; behind him, two standards.
Refs: RIC 13; BMCRE 213-17; Cohen 14; RCV 8411; MIR 37-5; Banti 6.