© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Dupondius - Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Aelia Capitolina
| Bronze | 16 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | Aelia Capitolina (Syria Palaestina) |
|---|---|
| Caesar | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (147-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 161-169 |
| Value | Dupondius (⅛) |
| Currency | Denarius (49 BC to AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 16 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#84942 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Victoria/Nike advancing left, holding wreath and palm-branch
Lettering: COL AEL CAP
Translation: Col(ony of) Ael(ia) Cap(itolina)
Comment
Jews were forbidden after the Bar Kochba revolt to reside within a ten mile radius of Jerusalem. Construction of Aelia Capitolina by Hadrian resumed. The inscription "the colony of Aelia Capitolina has been founded" appeared on coins together with a portrayal of the emperor plowing a furrow along the walls, the symbol of the establishment of a new Roman city.Aelia Capitolina was the only city in the Roman Empire created and settled by the army. Other cities were settled by army veterans, but here the citizens were on active duty; the city was, for practical purposes, an army base. Despite the destruction of most of the Jewish villages around Jerusalem the Romans still feared another Jewish revolt.
http://www.biu.ac.il/js/rennert/history_5.html
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare representation of Lucius Verus, who was the co-emperor of Marcus Aurelius and is depicted on the coin with a beard, which was unusual for Roman emperors at the time.
