Sestertius - Hadrian COS III LIBERALITAS AVG IIII S C; Liberalitas
| 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 | 125-127 |
| 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#255348 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hadrian seated left on platform, extending hand toward citizen; between, Liberalitas standing left, emptying cornucopia.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
COS III
LIBERALITAS
AVG IIII
S C
Translation:
Consul Tertium. Liberalitas Augusti Quarta. Senatus Consultum.
Consul for the third time. The fourth liberality of the emperor (Augustus), decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that the emperor Hadrian, depicted on the obverse of the coin, was known for his extensive travels throughout the Roman Empire, and his love of Greek culture. In fact, he was even given the nickname "Graeculus" or "little Greek" by his contemporaries. This coin, with its image of Hadrian and the inscription "LIBERALITAS AVG," or "Liberality of the Emperor," may have been minted to commemorate one of his many journeys or to promote his image as a benevolent and cultured leader.