Sestertius - Hadrian (PONT MAX TR POT COS DES III ANNONA AVG S C; Annona) (117) front Sestertius - Hadrian (PONT MAX TR POT COS DES III ANNONA AVG S C; Annona) (117) back
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Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS DES III ANNONA AVG S C; Annona

117 year
Orichalcum 26.7 g 35 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) (117-138)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
117
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Orichalcum
Weight
26.7 g
Diameter
35 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#254751
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Annona standing left, holding corn ears and cornucopia; at feet to left, modius, corn ears, and poppy; behind right, prow of ship.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PONT MAX TR POT COS DES III
ANNONA AVG
S C

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul. Designatus Tertium. Annona Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul, elect for the third time. Imperial grain supply. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Annona, the Roman goddess of grain and fertility, on the reverse side. This suggests that the coin may have been used as a form of payment for goods related to agriculture and food production. Additionally, the use of Orichalcum, a copper-based alloy, in the coin's minting process was a common practice during the Roman Empire, and adds to the coin's historical significance.