Denarius - Hadrian P M TR P COS III SAL AVG; Salus
| Silver | 3.2 g | 18.5 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 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#254938 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Salus seated left, holding out patera to feed snake; to left, altar with snake coiled around.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
P M TR P COS III
SAL AVG
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Salus Augusti.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. Health of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Denarius - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III SAL AVG; Salus) coin features an image of the Roman goddess Salus on the reverse side, which is unusual for a coin issued during Hadrian's reign. Most coins from this period depicted the emperor himself or other deities, so the inclusion of Salus suggests that Hadrian placed a particular emphasis on the goddess of safety and well-being. This could be seen as a reflection of his concerns about the welfare of his people and the empire as a whole.
