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Sestertius - Hadrian ANN DCCCLXXIIII NAT VRB P CIR CON S C, Genius
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 121 |
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| Value | 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The Genius of the Circus personified, depicted reclining to the left with head turned back to the right in a dynamic three-quarter pose. The figure holds a chariot wheel in one hand while the other arm drapes around three obelisks set upon the central barrier (spina) of a hippodrome. The composition commemorates the 874th anniversary of Rome's founding and Hadrian's gift of circus games to the Roman people. The reverse legend is arranged around the scene, with the senatorial authority mark S C flanking the design in the lower field. |
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| Additional information |
Struck in 121 AD to mark the 874th anniversary of Rome's founding — the meaning behind the legend ANN DCCCLXXIIII NAT VRB — this sestertius was issued as Hadrian actively distanced himself from Trajan's expansionist policies, consolidating borders rather than pushing them. The birthday of the city provided a politically useful occasion to project stability and continuity without invoking military conquest.
P CIR CON records that circus games were given in celebration, a detail that fixes this coin to a specific public event rather than a general commemorative impulse.