Aureus. Roman Imperial. Hadrian. 133-135 AD. Rome. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head to right. Hadrian on horseback trotting right, right hand raised in gesture of adlocutio. Good specimen, strongly struck, very well centered, and with prominent reliefs. Small edge knocks, which do not detract from its appeal. Rare, especially in this condition. In the middle of his reign, in 125 AD, Hadrian's coinage underwent a complete redesign. His initial militaristic portrait style, which depicted his upper bust in armor, draped, or "heroically nude," was replaced by a larger, more refined head. The obverse legend, which in the style of Trajan had included all his names and titles, was simplified to HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS. The reverses and their legends were also simplified, with many showing only the title COS III ("Thrice Consul") or being entirely anepigraphic, with the consular title added to the obverse. This aureus, featuring a remarkably serene portrait, perfectly embodies Hadrian's Augustan vision: the style is thoroughly Hellenistic, idealistic, and strongly reminiscent of the coins of the original Augustus. The reverse, depicting Hadrian on horseback departing on one of his many journeys, proved highly influential and was imitated by many later rulers. Almost XF. Ric. II 3, 2036. Bmcre. 785. Calicó. 1166. Au. 7,26.

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Lot description

Hadrian. Aureus. 133-135 AD. Rome. (Ric-II 3, 2036). (Bmcre-785). (Calicó-1166). Anv.: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head to right. Rev.: Hadrian on horseback trotting right, right hand raised in gesture of adlocutio. Au. 7,26 g.

Good specimen, strongly struck, very well centered, and with prominent reliefs. Small edge knocks, which do not detract from its appeal. Rare, especially in this condition.

In the middle of his reign, in 125 AD, Hadrian's coinage underwent a complete redesign. His initial militaristic portrait style, which depicted his upper bust in armor, draped, or "heroically nude," was replaced by a larger, more refined head.

The obverse legend, which in the style of Trajan had included all his names and titles, was simplified to HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS. The reverses and their legends were also simplified, with many showing only the title COS III ("Thrice Consul") or being entirely anepigraphic, with the consular title added to the obverse.

This aureus, featuring a remarkably serene portrait, perfectly embodies Hadrian's Augustan vision: the style is thoroughly Hellenistic, idealistic, and strongly reminiscent of the coins of the original Augustus.

The reverse, depicting Hadrian on horseback departing on one of his many journeys, proved highly influential and was imitated by many later rulers. Almost XF. Est...10000,00.

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Lot 53 | Roman Imperial

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Lot description