© Leu Numismatik
© Leu Numismatik
Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS III LIBERTAS RESTITVTA S C
| 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 |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#254800 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Hadrian seated left on platform, extending hand to woman, draped, standing right, sometimes with foot on platform step, holding one child and leading a second child.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PONT MAX TR POT COS III
LIBERTAS RESTITVTA
S C
Unabridged legend: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Libertas Restituta. Senatus Consultum
Translation: High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. Freedom restored. 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 used to make it, orichalcum, is a mysterious and rare alloy that was highly valued in ancient times. The exact composition of orichalcum is unknown, but it is believed to be a mixture of gold, silver, and other metals. The use of orichalcum in the production of coins was reserved for special occasions, such as the issuance of commemorative coins, and its durability and resistance to corrosion made it an ideal material for coinage.
