Roman Empire, Severus Alexander, Bronze Coin

This bronze coin was minted in Marcianopolis, the capital of the province of Moesia Inferior (on the Balkan Peninsula). It bears the head of young Emperor Severus Alexander (222-235).

The reverse depicts the goddess Hygieia feeding a snake from a bowl. Hygieia was personalized health – her cult was common all over the ancient world already in the 4th century BC.