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Semis - Hadrian // S C
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 133-135 |
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| Reference(s) | RIC II.3#2182, OCRE#ric.2_3(2).hdn.2182 |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Three birds emblematic of the Capitoline triad of deities are depicted in the central field: a peacock representing Juno, an eagle representing Jupiter, and an owl representing Minerva, arranged in close proximity and facing generally left. The grouping alludes to the divine patronage of Rome and the piety of the emperor. The senatorial authority mark S C (Senatus Consultum) appears in the field, flanking or below the bird group, authorizing the issue of this base-metal denomination. The reverse field is plain with no exergual line, consistent with the hammered semis issues of this period. |
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| Additional information |
Hadrian's semisses from this period fall within the final years of his reign, when the Bar Kokhba revolt (132–135 AD) had stretched imperial resources and redirected military attention to Judaea. The orichalcum alloy — a brass-like zinc-copper mix introduced for token denominations under Augustus — was by this point well past its original visual appeal; decades of senatorial mintings had dulled the golden shine that once distinguished these pieces from pure copper issues.
RIC II.3 2182 is a product of the senatorial mint, hence the SC reverse attribution, operating under Hadrian's notably hands-off approach to domestic administration during his extensive provincial tours.