Sestertius - Hadrian ADVENTVI AVG ALEXANDRIAE S C; Alexandria
| 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 |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#256210 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hadrian standing right, raising hand and holding scroll; facing him, Alexandria standing left, holding patera and situla; between them, altar, with bull usually at the base.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
ADVENTVI AVG ALEXANDRIAE
S C
Translation:
Adventui Augusti Alexandriae. Senatus Consultum.
Adventus (Roman welcoming ceremony) of the emperor (Augustus) to Alexandria. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin , which features Hadrian and was minted in Alexandria, Egypt, is notable for its unique design. On one side, it depicts Hadrian wearing a radiate crown, which symbolizes his divine status as a Roman emperor. On the other side, it shows a scene of a personification of the city of Alexandria, represented as a woman standing on a prow, holding a scepter and a shield with the city's name inscribed on it. This design was meant to commemorate Hadrian's visit to Alexandria in 130 AD and highlight the city's importance as a center of culture and trade in the Roman Empire.