© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Hadrian P M TR P COS III; Minerva
| 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 | 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 |
| Numista | N#254853 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva Promachus (Palladium?) advancing facing, holding javelin and shield.
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 the Aureus - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III; Minerva) coin is that it features a depiction of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized her association with wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a nod to Hadrian's reputation as a wise and learned leader, who was known for his intellectual pursuits and his efforts to promote the arts and sciences throughout the Roman Empire.
