© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Quadrans MESSALLA GALVS A A A F F S C 5 BC
5 BC year| Bronze | 3.2 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 | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#247943 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Legend surrounding S C.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MESSALLA GALVS A A A F F
S C
Unabridged legend:
Messalla, Galus, Auro, Argento, Aere Flando Feriundo.
Senatus Consulto.
Translation:
Messalla, Galus, Auro, Argento, Aere, Flando, Feriundo. Senatus Consultum.
Messalla and Galus for the casting and striking of gold, silver, and bronze coins. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 3–3.33 g;Diameter varies: 15.5–18 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Quadrans coin is that it features the image of a young Roman emperor, likely Augustus or Tiberius, on the obverse (front side), while the reverse (back side) depicts a mythological scene of a sea god, such as Neptune, riding a sea monster. This combination of an imperial portrait and a mythological scene was a common design element in Roman coins of the time, and it symbolized the emperor's connection to the gods and his role as a divine ruler.
