EGYPT. Alexandria. Severus Alexander, 222-235. Drachm (Bronze, 33 mm, 27.63 g, 12 h), RY 10 = 230/1. Α ΚΑΙ ΜΑΡ ΑΥΡ CЄΥ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟC ЄΥ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander to right, seen from behind. Rev. L I Eagle with closed wings standing right, head to left and holding wreath in beak; to left, palm frond. Dattari (Savio) 4444. Emmett 3100.10. K&G 62.127. RPC VI online 10412. Extremely rare and very likely the finest known example, with a superb portrait of excellent style. Minor flan faults, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


The portraits of Severus Alexander show some of the most exquisite craftsmanship in the entire Alexandrian series, as this coin clearly attests. His reign saw the last substantial production of bronze drachms, whose large module enabled the engravers to exercise their art to the fullest. As drachms were only produced sporadically afterwards, with a marked decline in artistic merit, we may deem this coin the numismatic swansong of Roman Alexandria.