Issue date: 03 Nov, 2017
NUMISMATICS
For the fourth year, Correos is issuing a new stamp in the Numismatics series.
This year's stamp features the gold Aureus of Hadrian and the silver Denarius of Trajan. These images have been chosen because 2017 is the 1,900th anniversary of the death of Trajan and succession by Emperor Hadrian.
Trajan is considered the most important emperor of the Roman Empire. Under his leadership, Rome experienced its greatest period of expansion. He was the first Hispanic emperor and excelled during his youth for stifling the rebellion in Germania. Adopted by Nerva, he would become his successor in the year 98. He strengthened justice and created institutions to protect children. Such major constructions as Trajan’s Column and the Via Traiana that linked Rome to Brindisi, which boosted trade enormously, are the result of his leadership.
He died after returning from a campaign in Mesopotamia, and so it is said that he died of fatigue and tiredness.
He was succeeded by Hadrian, who was also born in Hispania but educated in Rome by Trajan. Hadrian accompanied Trajan on numerous military campaigns. After his protector died, many looked unfavourably upon Hadrian succeeding Trajan, especially due to his Hispanic origins. However, he was eventually named emperor.
He reinforced the borders of the empire and ordered the construction of numerous fortifications. Compilation of the unified code of jurisprudence –the Edictum Perpetuum– was another result of his work. Nowadays, it is considered as the basis of modern legislation.
Passionate about culture, he ordered the reconstruction of Athens and the construction of new cities, temples, aqueducts, roads, libraries and theatres.
This new stamp features the front of the two coins –the gold and silver– with a round cut-out shape.
The background shows the Amphitheatre in the Roman city of Italica, the birthplace of these two emperors who achieved so much for the Roman Empire.
Carmen Álvarez Casanova.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.