© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Aureus - Hadrian ADVENTVI AVG ITALIAE; Italia
| Gold | 7.27 g | 19.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) (117-138) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 130-133 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.27 g |
| Diameter | 19.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#256045 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hadrian standing right, raising hand in address and holding scroll; facing him, Italia, standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; between them, altar; at foot of altar, bull.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ADVENTVI AVG ITALIAE
Translation:
Adventui Augusti Italiae.
Adventus (Roman welcoming ceremony) of the emperor (Augustus) to Italy.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique reverse design, depicting the personification of Italy, Italia, seated on a rock, with a small figure of the goddess Victory standing next to her and holding a wreath. This design was introduced by Hadrian as part of his efforts to promote the cult of the Roman state and reinforce the idea of the empire as a unified, harmonious entity. The use of Italy as a symbol of the empire's power and prosperity was a common theme in Roman art and propaganda during this period.
