Severus Alexander - as Caesar denarius SPES, very rare (O2228)

Severus Alexander, as Caesar, 221-222. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 2.75 g, 1 h), struck under Elagabalus, Rome, 221. M AVR ALEXANDER CAES Bare-headed and draped bust of Severus Alexander to right, seen from behind. Rev. INDVLGENTIA AVG Spes advancing left, holding flower in her right hand and raising skirt with her left. BMC 264. Cohen 65. RIC 2. Rare. Porous, otherwise, very fine

only four specimens in Reka Devnia hoard. The unusual combination of Spes reverse type with Indulgentia legend highlights Elagabalus' indulgence in raising his cousin to the Caesarship and the prospect of becoming emperor, a favor that he almost immediately regretted. This is a rather rare coin of Severus Alexander when for a brief time he was Caesar, thus heir apparent .