Aureus - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III; Genius) (120-121) front Aureus - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III; Genius) (120-121) back
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Aureus - Hadrian P M TR P COS III; Genius

 
Gold 7.27 g 19.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) (117-138)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
120-121
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
References
Numista
N#254953
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Genius of the Senate standing right, holding sceptre; Genius of the Roman people standing left, holding patera and cornucopia; between them, altar.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P COS III

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time.

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 the personification of the genius of Rome on the other. The genius of Rome was a mythical figure who was believed to be the guardian spirit of the city, and was often depicted as a bearded man holding a scepter and a patera, which was a ritual vessel used in ancient Roman religion. The inclusion of this figure on the coin highlights the importance of Roman mythology and the emperor's connection to the divine.