Sestertius - Hadrian ADVENTVI AVG AFRICAE S C; Africa
| Orichalcum | 25 g | 32.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) (117-138) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 130-133 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Orichalcum |
| Weight | 25 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#256202 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hadrian standing right, raising hand and holding scroll; facing him, Africa, wearing elephant scalp, standing left, holding patera and corn ears; between them, altar, with bull usually at the base.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
ADVENTVI AVG AFRICAE
S C
Unabridged legend: Adventui Augusti Africae. Senatus Consultum.
Translation: Adventus (Roman welcoming ceremony) of the emperor to Africa. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin , which features Hadrian and has the inscription "ADVENTVI AVG AFRICAE S C," is notable for its depiction of Africa personified as a woman. The image on the coin shows Africa as a female figure with a lion's head and a shield, symbolizing the Roman Empire's conquest of the continent. This representation of Africa as a woman was a common motif in Roman art and propaganda, and it reflects the Roman Empire's view of Africa as a mysterious and exotic land that needed to be tamed and controlled.