Sestertius - Hadrian (FELICITAS AVG S C; Felicitas) (136) front Sestertius - Hadrian (FELICITAS AVG S C; Felicitas) (136) back
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Sestertius - Hadrian FELICITAS AVG S C; Felicitas

136 year
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
Year
136
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#256711
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia; by feet to left, wheel.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
FELICITAS AVG
S C

Translation:
Felicitas Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
The good fortune 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 metal used to make it, orichalcum, is a curious case in the history of numismatics. Orichalcum was a metal that was believed to be an alloy of gold and silver, but its composition has been a topic of debate among historians and numismatists. Some have suggested that it might have been a brass alloy, while others believe it was a combination of copper, zinc, and nickel. The exact composition of orichalcum remains a mystery, making the coins made from this metal a fascinating piece of history.