Sestertius - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III S C; Spes) (121-123) front Sestertius - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III S C; Spes) (121-123) back
no image

Sestertius - Hadrian P M TR P COS III S C; Spes

 
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
Years
121-123
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#255232
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Spes advancing left, holding flower and lifting robe.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
P M TR P COS III
S C

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Sestertius coin features an image of the Roman goddess Spes (meaning "hope" in Latin) on its reverse side. This is significant because Spes was an important symbol of hope and optimism in Roman culture, and her appearance on the coin may have been intended to convey a message of hope and prosperity to the people who used it.