© CC | BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität
© CC | BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität
Sestertius - Hadrian NILVS S C; Nilus
| 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#256187 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Nilus reclining right among playing children, holding reed and cornucopia; to right, hippopotamus, sometimes with child rider, and reeds; below, crocodile in water.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
NILVS
S C
Translation:
Nilus. Senatus Consultum.
Nile. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin , which features Emperor Hadrian and the god Nilus, is notable for its unique design. The reverse side of the coin depicts a scene of Hadrian making a sacrifice to Nilus, who is represented as a bearded man standing on the banks of the Nile River. This image is significant because it highlights the importance of the Nile River to the Roman Empire, which relied heavily on the river for trade and commerce. The coin's design also underscores Hadrian's efforts to promote the cult of the Roman emperors, which aimed to reinforce the idea that the emperor was a divine figure who was responsible for maintaining the prosperity and stability of the empire. Overall, this coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD.
