Aureus - Hadrian P M TR P COS III GEN P R; Genius
| 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 | 119-120 |
| 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#254760 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Genius standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; to left, altar.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
P M TR P COS III
GEN P R
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Genio Populi Romani.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. To the Genius (guardian spirit) of the Roman people.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman emperor Hadrian on one side and a depiction of the Genius of the Roman people on the other. The Genius was a personification of the Roman state and was often depicted as a bearded man holding a scepter and a patera, which was a ritual offering dish. The inclusion of the Genius on the coinage was a way for Hadrian to emphasize his connection to the Roman people and to promote the idea of the Roman state as a divine institution.
