© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Dupondius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS FORT RED SC; Fortuna
117 year| Orichalcum | 12.5 g | 27 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) (117-138) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 117 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Orichalcum |
| Weight | 12.5 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#254647 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopia.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PONT MAX TR POT COS
FORT RED
SC
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul. Fortuna Redux. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul. Fortune that brings back (the emperor in safety). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Dupondius coin featuring Emperor Hadrian and the goddess Fortuna is an interesting piece of history. One fascinating fact about this coin is that it was made of a rare metal called Orichalcum, which was a prized metal in ancient Rome. Orichalcum was believed to be a brass-like alloy composed of copper and zinc, but its exact composition remains a mystery. The use of Orichalcum in the production of coins was reserved for special occasions, such as the minting of commemorative coins for the Roman emperors. The fact that the Dupondius coin was made of Orichalcum speaks to the significance and prestige of the Roman Empire during Hadrian's reign.
