Severus Alexander, 222-235. Medallion (Bimetallic copper and orichalcum), 38 mm, 53.65 g, 12 h), Rome, 224. IMP CAES M AVREL SEV ALEXANDER AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander to right. Rev. LIBERALITAS AVGVSTI II On platform, Severus Alexander seated to left; before him to left, Liberalitas standing to left, holding abacus and cornucopiae; behind him to right, Praetorian praefect and soldier standing front but with their heads to left; at the side of the platform, six citizens standing left; to left, before platform, citizen mounting the platform steps, holding a circular basket. BMC 210. Cohen 121. Gnecchi 9. Very rare. Heavy and impressive with a dark green patina. Slight traces of double-striking on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.
From the Molard Collection, Switzerland.
The liberalitas ceremony was an official act designed to show the Emperor's care for his people. Accompanied by an actress dressed as the goddess-personification Liberalitas, the emperor would hand out gifts of money, or objects of value to the populace. In many cases the recipient would receive a token entitling him to a quantity of grain or oil or something similar. It is also very likely that the medal that appears in this lot was originally designed to be presented at such a ceremony.