Sestertius - Hadrian (FIDES PVBLICA S C; Fides) (136) front Sestertius - Hadrian (FIDES PVBLICA S C; Fides) (136) back
no image

Sestertius - Hadrian FIDES PVBLICA S C; Fides

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#256727
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Fides standing right, holding corn ears or poppies and dish of fruits.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
FIDES PVBLICA
S C

Translation:
Fides Publica. Senatus Consultum.
Loyalty of the public. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Sestertius - Hadrian (FIDES PVBLICA S C; Fides) coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Fides was considered an important virtue in ancient Roman culture, representing loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness. The image of Fides on the coin may have been intended to convey the idea that the Roman Empire was a trustworthy and reliable authority, and that the coinage was a symbol of that trust.