Sestertius - Hadrian RELIQVA VETERA HS NOVIES MILL ABOLITA 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 |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#254828 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Lictor standing left, torching heap of bonds and holding fasces; before him, a crowd of citizens (usually three), gesturing toward the action.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
RELIQVA VETERA HS NOVIES MILL ABOLITA
S C
Translation:
Reliqua Vetera Sestertii Novies Mill Abolita. Senatus Consultum.
Old receipts [in the amount] of nine times one thousand (Mill) hundered thousand sestertii (HS) cancelled (nine hundred million sestertii). 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 exist in ancient times but has never been found in reality. Despite this, the Roman Empire still used it as a material for their coins, showing the importance of imagination and belief in shaping their currency and economy.