Would greatly appreciate your opinions on this Sestertius of Hadrian. This is a coin which I bought back in 1990 as RIC 563b. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius, 24.45 g, Struck AD 119-120. Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust right Rev: PONT MAX TR POT COS III, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia. RIC II 563 I posted this coin back about 4-5 years ago, and I remember one member here posted some reservations about it. Now, with better pictures I want to submit this again to see what you guys think. The color and surface texture as rendered in the picture is close to real-life. The surface is bit rough. The edge shows no sign of a cast line. I thank you in advance for you opinions!
I can see why someone might have had reservations about it. The relief is too shallow for my liking. It would seem that Hadrian sestertii are struck with higher relief, in general. It looks a bit like an artificially-distressed replica.
I agree that the relief seems to be too shallow on this coin, especially when you note the high level of detail that is preserved on the obverse in Hadrian's hair and beard. It would seem that a coin with that low level of relief would show signs of a weak strike or flat planchet somewhere on the obverse, but I don't see any evidence of those issues in this coin. Compare an example that sold at auction a while ago: This coin exhibits much more relief that is line with its excellent obverse details.
Agree What John Anthony said, and without the edge damage it's almost 100% round, dont like the portrait eighter , lifeless & flat.
I'm a noob, so take my opinion lightly, but the style of the OP's piece feels wrong. I'm looking particularly at the eyes, ribbon, hair, lettering, and reverse SC.
Thank you all for your comments. Some very good points made, specially the flat relief. There are many examples in acsearch to compare, and I would add that the style of the lettering is also a bit unusual - generally thin/scraggly on tibias example. For the moment I will put this one down to my inexperience and eagerness 27 years ago with regard to ancients. Will also consult one of the many experienced dealers at the next major coin show in my area. Thanks again for your input.
These were exactly my thoughts as well. Literally, I thought: that looks vaguely like Hadrian, but what a rather lifeless portrait. Then I noted the "scraggliness" of the lettering. My first guess was that it was a very worn and tooled, but authentic and ancient piece, which would also account for the low relief, but I'd have no trouble believing it to be a distressed replica.
The shallow portrait means little in this case if one understands the coinage of Hadrian. There are two distinct styles of sestertii (and denarii for that matter) for Hadrian. I will call them 'robust' and 'thin'. Do a little searching and one can see this for themselves. For this coin, I see some flags, such as the lettering and the very smooth fields. But, honestly, those can just be tricks of the photos.
Thank you, Ken, for your comments. I take note of your comments about 'robust' and 'thin' busts styles for Hadrian. The coin does have some questions marks, specially the lettering and possibly the odd colour, but I have to say I fell uncomfortable writing this one off just yet. It does not have that 'blatant' fake look. Hopefully I can have one of the more knowledgeable dealers here look at it at some point.
