© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Lucilla HILARITAS S C; Hilaritas
| Bronze | 16.9 g | 27 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 164-169 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 16.9 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#264460 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm, nearly vertical, in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HILARITAS S C
Translation:
Hilaritas. Senatus Consultum.
Joy. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 12.37–21.37 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Hilaritas (Hilarity) depicted on the coin was a virtue in ancient Roman culture, representing joy, happiness, and good cheer. It was often associated with the Greek goddess of joy and happiness, Euphrosyne. The inclusion of Hilaritas on the coin may suggest that the Roman Empire was promoting the value of happiness and joy during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD.
