© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Balbinus, Pupienus, and Gordian III LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM S C; Liberalitas
238 year| Bronze | 22.9 g | 33 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Balbinus (Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus) (238) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 238 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 22.9 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280600 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Balbinus, Pupienus, and Gordian III, all seated left on platform; behind them, soldier standing left, holding spear; in front of them, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; below, citizen, mounting right steps of platform.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIBERALITAS AVGVSTORVM S C
Translation:
Liberalitas Augustorum. Senatus Consultum.
Generosity of the Emperors (Augusti). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 21.6–24.15 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Liberalitas, who represents liberality, generosity, and abundance. The inclusion of this image on the coin may suggest that the Roman Empire was promoting the values of generosity and abundance during the reign of Balbinus, Pupienus, and Gordian III. Additionally, the fact that the coin was made of bronze, a relatively inexpensive material, may indicate that it was intended for widespread circulation among the general population, further emphasizing the theme of liberality and generosity.
