Details

Object type

coin

Place Associated

Scotland, The Scottish Borders, Selkirk (place found)

Date

circa 128

Materials

copper alloy

Description

Roman copper alloy sestertius made during the reign of the emperor Hadrian. The obverse bears an image of Hadrian and his name - ‘HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS’. The reverse bears the inscription ‘COS III PP’. This records some of Hadrian’s honours: a consul for the third time and Pater Patriae, ‘Father of the Country’. The figure holding a spear and a patera or wreath is Clementia, goddess of forgiveness and mercy and the personification of clemency. This was one of the main virtues desirable in a Roman ruler.

ID Number

1877.181

Location

Kelvingrove Study Centre