Hadrian portrait in classic style on a very well preserved sestertius.

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Salaethus, Feb 27, 2020.

  1. Salaethus

    Salaethus Well-Known Member

    Another recent purchase of mine: Hadrian is depicted on this sestertius in a wonderfully artistic and classical style, with an excellent strike and state of preservation.

    6. Hadrian.jpg
    Hadrian Æ sestertius. Rome, 134-138 AD. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, Laureate and draped bust of Hadrian right. / Hadrian bare-headed and in military dress standing right, holding spear and parazonium and resting foot on crocodile, S-C in fields. 27.23g, 34mm. RIC II 782, C. 1384

    Two die matches:

    Stacks Bowers die match.jpg
    Double die match sold by Stacks & Bowers 2013

    rev die match.jpg
    Reverse die match sold by Gadoury 2018

    Here again is the portrait of Hadrian, which I think is a real gem:

    6. Hadrian.jpg

    Anyone that has familiarity with the coins of Hadrian, I am wondering what the meaning or event was that occasioned the striking of this reverse type? I assume it has relation to Egypt given the crocodile, was it struck to celebrate Hadrian's visit to Egypt?

    6. Hadrian rev.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2020
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  3. Valentinian

    Valentinian Well-Known Member

    A close inspection shows it is misdescribed. It is really "left foot squashing a rabbit running right" as the two big ears show.:happy:
     
  4. Victor_Clark

    Victor_Clark all my best friends are dead Romans Dealer

    Yes, the reverse was issued to commemorate his Egypt visit. RIC also describes the reverse as Hadrian-Horus.
     
    Gary R. Wilson and Salaethus like this.
  5. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    Great new sestertius and excellent portrait!

    I have this Hadrian As with a unique bust with bulging pecks and broad muscular shoulders, of which I've not found similar online...
    [​IMG]
    Hadrian, Ruled 117-138 AD
    AE As, Struck 125-128 AD, Rome Mint

    Obverse: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right.
    Reverse: COS III, Salus, draped, standing right, feeding out of patera in left hand snake held in right, S-C across field.
    References: RIC II 669c
    Size: 25.5mm, 9.1g
    Notes: Superior design and rendering of bust of Hadrian on obverse. None similar found in online databases.
     
  6. Victor_Clark

    Victor_Clark all my best friends are dead Romans Dealer

    The new edition of RIC does not have it listed either.
     
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  7. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Gorgeous!!

    This is my most recent Hadrian acquisition:

    [​IMG]
    Hadrian, AD 117-138.
    Roman AR denarius, 3.28 g, 18.1 mm, 6 h.
    Rome, late AD 125-early AD 128.
    Obv: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head, right, drapery on far shoulder.
    Rev: COS III, Diana standing half front, head right, holding arrow and bow.
    Refs: RIC 147; BMCRE 334-36; RSC 315a; Strack 153; RCV 3466; UCR 298.
     
  8. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    funnybab.gif
     
  9. Salaethus

    Salaethus Well-Known Member




    Well, that's no ordinary rabbit. That's the most foul, cruel and bad tempered rodent you've ever set eyes on!
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2020
  10. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    I really like this anepigraphic reverse. I only have a very worn example in silver.

    [​IMG]
    HADRIAN
    AR Denarius. 3.12g, 18.9mm. Rome mint, AD 134-138. RIC 294d; Sear 3551; BMCRE III p. 338, *. O: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head right. R: No legend, Hadrian standing right, wearing military garb, inverted spear in right hand, parazonium in left hand, left foot on crocodile.

    On clearer examples, the identity of the “crocodile” is readily apparent.

    [​IMG]
     
    Okidoki, Eduard, Bing and 9 others like this.
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