Severus Alexander AR Denarius (ANNONA AVG, RIC IV.2 135)

SEVERUS ALEXANDER, AD 222-235
AR Denarius (21.0mm, 4.19g, 7h)
Struck AD 228. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust of Severus Alexander right
Reverse: ANNO-NA AVG, Annona, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand and cornucopia in left hand; her right foot on prow
References: RIC IV.2 135; RCV – ; ERIC II – .

Sharply struck with good dies. Lightly toned and lustrous. Very heavy weight for issue. Annona was the divine personification of the grain supply to Rome. First appearing on a sestertius of Nero, Annona quickly became an important and constant symbol on Roman coinage, as an assurance and reminder of the emperor’s provision for the city.

Collezione : Roman Imperial - the Severan Era