Sestertius - Hadrian // EXERC SYRIAC S C
| 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#256451 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hadrian riding right, raising hand; before him, five soldiers with standards.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
// EXERC SYRIAC
S C
Translation:
Exercitus Syriacus. Senatus Consultum.
Army of Syria. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin , which features Emperor Hadrian, is notable for its use of the metal Orichalcum. Orichalcum was a rare and valuable metal in ancient times, believed to be a brass-like alloy of zinc and copper. The use of this metal for coins was reserved for special occasions, such as the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and its production was tightly controlled by the Roman state. The fact that this coin was made of Orichalcum speaks to the importance and wealth of the Roman Empire during Hadrian's reign.