© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
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 | 121-123 |
| 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 |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#255134 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva standing left, holding spear; to left, olive tree; beneath tree, rabbit.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P COS III
Unabridged legend: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium.
Translation: 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 goddess Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of 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 empire.
