★ Nymphaeum Divi Alexandri ★

SEVERUS ALEXANDER (222-235). As. Rome.

Obv: IMP CAES M AVR SEV ALEXANDER AVG.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: P M TR P V COS II P P / S - C.
The Nymphaeum of Severus Alexander: three arches containing statues, with facing quadriga on roof; below, building with sides seen in perspective; semi-circular basin in front.

RIC 450.

Extremely rare and the best appeared on market. Severus Alexander had this nymphaeum built on the Esquiline, the remains of which can still be seen in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. It was a magnificent and scenic monument filled with water-filled basins, statues and marble groups, enriched with gilded bronze elements. It was located at one of the highest points in Rome and was therefore visible from various parts of the city. The nymphaeum, however, also played an important role for the city. It was in fact a 'castellum aquae', a point of distribution of water to imperial buildings, to private citizens who requested it, and to public buildings, such as the many fountains in Rome, as it was located in the final section of a branch of the aqueduct coming from the Porta Tiburtina. This extremely rare type appears on a few emissions in gold, silver and bronze.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 10.24 g.
Diameter: 27 mm.