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
Sestertius - Hadrian (P M TR P COS III S C; Spes) (121-123) photo
© Roma Numismatics Limited

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#255235
Rarity index
94%

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

One interesting fact about this coin is that the metal it's made of, orichalcum, is a fictional metal that was believed to have existed in ancient times but has never been found in reality. Despite this, the use of orichalcum in coins and other objects has been a popular theme in fantasy and historical fiction.