© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Caracalla SPEI PERPETVAE S C; Spes
| Bronze | 23.1 g | 30.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 196-197 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 23.1 g |
| Diameter | 30.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#273696 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower upright in extended right hand and raising skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SPEI PERPETVAE S C
Translation:
Spei Perpetuae. Senatus Consultum.
Eternal hope. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 19.467–25.16 g;Diameter varies: 28–33 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
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 Spes (Spes), which means "hope" in Latin, on the reverse side. This is fitting, as the Roman Empire was known for its emphasis on hope and optimism, and the idea of hope was an important part of Roman culture and philosophy. Additionally, the image of Spes on this coin may have been meant to symbolize the hope for a long and prosperous reign of the emperor Caracalla, who ruled from 198 to 217 AD.
