© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Quadrans GALVS MESSALLA A A A F F S C 5 BC
5 BC year| Bronze | 3.1 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 5 BC |
| Value | 1 Quadrans = ¼ As = 1⁄64 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.1 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#247942 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Legend surrounding S C.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
GALVS MESSALLA A A A F F
S C
Unabridged legend:
Galus, Messalla, Auro, Argento, Aere Flando Feriundo.
Senatus Consulto.
Translation:
Galus, Messalla, Auro, Argento, Aere, Flando, Feriundo. Senatus Consultum.
Galus, Messalla for the casting and striking of gold, silver, and bronze coins. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.757–3.3 g;Diameter varies: 16–18 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Quadrans coin was used during the Roman Empire and had a unique design that featured the image of a dolphin on one side and the letters "GALVS MESSALLA A A A F F S C" on the other. The dolphin was a symbol of good luck and prosperity in ancient Roman culture, and it was believed to bring protection to the coin's owner. Additionally, the letters on the coin stood for the Latin phrase "Gaius Messalla, son of Gaius, of the Messalla family, tribune of the plebeians," which indicated the coin's issuer and the family who minted it.
