Sestertius - Hadrian (COH PRAETOR[ ] S C) (130-133) front Sestertius - Hadrian (COH PRAETOR[ ] S C) (130-133) back
Sestertius - Hadrian (COH PRAETOR[ ] S C) (130-133) photo
© CC | BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität

Sestertius - Hadrian COH PRAETOR[ ] S C

 
Orichalcum 25 g 32.5 mm
Description
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
References
Numista
N#256384
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Hadrian standing right on platform, addressing three soldiers with two standards; between them, lictor facing crowd.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
COH PRAETOR[ ]
S C

Translation:
Cohors Praetoria. Senatus Consultum.
Pretorian Cohort. Decree of the Senate.

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that the metal used to make it, orichalcum, is a mysterious and rare alloy that was highly valued in ancient times. Its composition is not known for certain, but it is believed to be a mixture of gold, silver, and other metals. The use of orichalcum in the production of coins was a sign of the Roman Empire's wealth and power.