Sestertius - Hadrian SICILIA; Charybdis and Scylla
| 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 | 130-138 |
| 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#257235 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Charybdis represented as triskeles and Medusa-like face, supported by Scylla; to left, temple on hill; to right, lighthouse (or helmet and standing figure?).
Script: Latin
Lettering: SICILIA
Translation:
Sicilia.
Sicily.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the mythological creatures Charybdis and Scylla, which were believed to inhabit the Strait of Messina between Sicily and Italy. Charybdis was a sea monster that was said to swallow large amounts of water and then spit it out, creating dangerous whirlpools, while Scylla was a sea goddess who was known for her beautiful voice and was often depicted as a mermaid. The inclusion of these creatures on the coin may have been meant to symbolize the dangers of navigation in the region, or to highlight the importance of the Roman Empire's maritime trade and exploration.