Diadumenian as Caesar Æ Sestertius Roman Empire 217-218 AD Copper Coin with Dark Green Patina Spes on Reverse Museum Reproduction CBRS0056

Æ Copper Roman Empire Sestertius Diadumenian as Caesar, Rome mint, struck 217-218 A.D. References: RIC 219, Cohen 23, BMC 155. Spes was the Roman personification of Hope. In art Spes is normally depicted carrying flowers or a cornucopia, but on coins she is almost invariably depicted holding a flower in her extended right hand, while the left is raising a fold of her dress. She was also named “ultima dea” – for Hope is the last resort of men. On this coin, the Caesar, Diadumenian, the designated successor of the emperor, is identified as the hope for the future of the Roman people.