Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS III LIBERALITAS AVG S C; Liberalitas
| 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 | 119-120 |
| 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#254799 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hadrian seated left on curule chair set on platform, extending hand to attendant, seated left, distributing to citizen, scaling platform steps, extending fold of toga; behind, Liberalitas standing left, holding coin scoop.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PONT MAX TR POT COS III
LIBERALITAS AVG
S C
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Liberalitas Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. The liberality of the emperor. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that the emperor Hadrian, depicted on the obverse, was known for his love of Greek culture and architecture. He even built a replica of the Acropolis in Athens within his villa in Rome, which he called the "Greek City." This coin, with its image of Hadrian and the inscription "LIBERALITAS AVG" (meaning "Liberality of the Emperor"), may have been issued to promote the idea of Roman cultural and economic prosperity under Hadrian's rule.
