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Born of Severan lineage in a temple dedicated to Alexander the Great, he was named Severus Alexander (208–235 AD). At fourteen years old, Alexander lived up to his namesake when he became Rome’s second youngest Emperor ever. He succeeded his murdered cousin Elagabalus, and a nerve-wracked Empire looked to him to improve financial and political stability. As it turned out, Alexander, under the strict supervision of his mother Julia Mamaea, lived up to eponymous expectations - at least, for a while.
Well tutored, Alexander was initially regarded as a wise and effective leader. Under Alexander’s governance, taxes were decreased, and loan interest regulated to reasonable rates. Alexander also made several adjustments to the silver content and purity of the denarius, according to the fiscal climate. Alexander dispelled with his predecessor Elagabalus’ frivolities, preferring to don a simple white robe and associate with others equally; he refused to adopt “the Great.” Distancing himself from the prior regime's religious upheavals, Alexander was highly tolerant of all religions, including Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Judaism. He even had his personal motto inscribed in his palace and various public buildings: "Do unto others as thou wouldst have them do unto thee."
Alexander's reign brought Rome a period of increased economic stability, if not prosperity. Appropriately, a rich legacy of Alexander's coinage survives, including this well preserved denarius struck in 223 AD, very early in his reign. The obverse features the laureate head of teenaged Alexander encircled by the inscription IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG. Notable from this inscription is the observation that, like his forebears Caracalla and Elagabalus, Alexander also included Marcus Aurelius in his name, perhaps to strengthen his legitimacy and maintaining the troops’ loyalty. Also of note from the inscription is that Alexander is bestowed the title of imperator, even though it is not clear whether he had any military experience at the time. Turning to the reverse side of the coin, the central figure is the goddess Providentia standing left, one hand bearing a sceptre, and the other hand holding a wand that points to a globe at her feet. The imagery here is meant to provide confidence that, even though young, the new Emperor will successfully lead the realm by collaborating with the divine personification of the ability to foresee and make provision.
While Providentia’s influence remains unknown, Alexander certainly had his mother Julia Mamaea constantly at his side. While matronly counsel was a boon at first, it ultimately contributed to his downfall. Heeding his mother's advice, Alexander tried to rally his troops against the Empire's enemies. Successes were limited and losses were considerable. Both Alexander and his mother grew increasingly unpopular, and the legions grew increasingly insubordinate. In early 235 AD, the imperium planned to bribe the German barbarians into subservience, and then focus military efforts towards the eastern borders. For the humiliated Rhine legions, mostly local recruits unwilling to re-deploy, this was the last straw. Mutinous soldiers murdered both Mamaea and Severus Alexander, marking the end of the Severan-Emesan dynasty.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Severus Alexander, AR Denarius (3.39 g), Rome, Struck 223 AD, NGC Grade: MS*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right, IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Reverse: Providentia standing left, holding wand over globe and long sceptre, PROVIDENTIA AVG, References: RIC 173; RSC 498; BMCRE 138.