Sestertius - Hadrian (PONT MAX TR POT COS II ANNONA AVG S C; Annona) (117) front Sestertius - Hadrian (PONT MAX TR POT COS II ANNONA AVG S C; Annona) (117) back
Sestertius - Hadrian (PONT MAX TR POT COS II ANNONA AVG S C; Annona) (117) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS II ANNONA AVG S C; Annona

117 year
Orichalcum 26.5 g 34 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
26.5 g
Diameter
34 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#254733
Rarity index
94%

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 II
ANNONA AVG
S C

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Secundum. Annona Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the second 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 symbol of prosperity and abundance during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.