Hadrian Cistophoric tetradrachm Obv:- HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, Bare-headed, draped bust right Rev:- COS III, Minerva, helmeted, standing l., holding patera and spear; at her side, shield. References:- Cohen 294. BMC 1071. RIC 503. Metclaf 395. Minted in uncertain mint in Asia circa A.D. 138 Appears to be overstruck on a Mark Antony and Octavia AR Cistophorus. The remains of the legend M • ANTONIVS • IMP • COS • DESIG • ITER • ET TERT can be seen on the reverse with the M starting at 9 o'clock.
Hadrian Silver Drachm - Pontos, Amisos Obv:– AVT KAI TPA ADPIANOC CEB P P VP G, Laureate bust left Rev:– AMICOV ELEVQEPA-C ETOVC PXE, Demeter standing left holding corn ears & branched staff Pontos, Amisos. Dated Year 166 of Amisos = 133-134 AD. References:- cf SGI 1139, cf SNGvA 80. BMC Greek, pg. 22 Pontus 91. J.H. Nordbo, Imperial Silver Coinage of Amisus, 131/2-137/8 AD, Studies...Thomsen, p. 168, Year 166=133/4 AD, specimens 102-113
Hadrian Ae Sestertius Obv:- IMP CAES DIVI TRA PARTH F DIVI NER NEP TRAIANO HADRIANO AVG, Laureate bust right with drapery on far shoulder, strap across chest from right to left shoulder Rev:- PONT MAX TR POT COS, FORT RED/S C in two lines in exergue, Fortuna seated left holding rudder and cornucopiae Minted in Rome. A.D. 117 Reference:– BMCRE 1111. Cohen 751 var. (cuirassed). RIC II 541a var. (cuirassed).
A couple of Ae AS Hadrian Obv:- IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, Laureate draped and cuirassed bust right (seen from rear) Rev:- P M TR P COS III, S - C, Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopia Minted in Rome. A.D. 118 Reference:– Cohen 1142. BMCRE 1265. RIC 616c. Weight 9.88g. 26.51mm Obv:- HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, Laureate head right Rev:- COS III, S - C, Salus standing right feeding snake Minted in Rome. A.D. 125 - 128 Reference:– Cohen 369. BMCRE 1341. RIC 669. Weight 8.60g. 27.90mm.
Hadrian Ar Quinarius Obv:- IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG; laureate bust right Rev:- P M TR P COS III; Victoria standing right, holding wreath and palm branch Rome Mint. Reference:- RIC 103
I have a real soft spot for the early issues from Rome with the long titles. Hadrian denarius Obv:- IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA, Laureate bust right with light drapery on far shoulder Rev:- PARTH F DIVI NER NEP P M TR P COS / FORT RED, Fortuna seated left holding rudder and cornucopia Rome Mint.A.D. 117. Group II. Reference:- RIC 10, BMC 22-23 Hadrian denarius Obv:- IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA, Laureate cuirassed ust right with light drapery on far shoulder Rev:- PARTH F DIVI NER NEP P M TR P COS / IVSTITIA, Justitia seated left on throne holding in right hand and verticaal sceptre in left Rome Mint. A.D. 117. Group II. Reference:- RIC 11c, RSC 874, BMC 26
My real passion with Hadrian's coinage is with his rare estern denarii and I have several otherwise unknown examples of which I will only inflict two on you:- Hadrian Denarius Obv:- HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, laureate bust right Rev:- COS III, Genius, draped at waist, standing left, holding patera and cornucopia, no altar Minted in eastern mint. RIC -, BMCRE -, RSC -, Strack -. Additional information from Curtis Clay:- "I don't doubt the Genius coin is Eastern, though I don't find that obv. die among the many illustrated by Strack. The letter forms are typical, for example P P at end of obv. legend tending to look like I I, and the slanting S of COS on the reverse. The slightly clumsy style of the types is also typical. As you say,the Roman model showed an altar before the Genius. Eastern specimens are known accurately copying that type, with altar, Strack *31. ....... Yours is a new variant, with altar omitted. " Hadrian Denarius Obv:- HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, Bare headed, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from the rear Rev:- COS III, Mars walking right holding spear and trophy Eastern Mint. Reference:- RIC -. BMCRE -. RSC -. Strack -.
This is not my favorite Hadrian, but I haven't posted it for some time. It's kinda pretty, but it's had a series of unfortunate events. I'd like to hear your comments.
Funny, I just bookmarked that type in an upcoming auction A very greek-ish style, I like it quite a bit. Yours has attractive uniform wear and a flattering patina. Very very nice coin, Doucet!
What do you mean by "series of unfortunate events"? I like the looks of the coin. If you don't want her, send her my way.
What I meant was, I think the coin has been smoothed and tooled and false patina applied by a very good (IMO) coin doctor who hails from Argentina....so he says. I'm glad people still like it, it's not a fake. I've just always wondered about it in an odd way.
I'm pretty sure I know the person of whom you speak. And I think I purchased an Augustus AE As from him. And I know the feeling about which you are talking. I confronted the seller and received 50% return. The other 50% wouldn't be worth sending it back.
I got one. Really like the denarius with Africa reverse so it's my first Hadrian. HADRIAN, AD 134-138 AR Denarius 18 mm, 3.53 gm, 6h Rome Obv: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head right Rev: AFRICA, Africa with elephant skin headdress, reclining on rock, holding scorpion and cornucopia, basket of fruit before her. Ref: RIC 299
A little known online auction that I frequent is having what could basically be described as an 'all Hadrian' sale this month. Looks like I am going to find myself with a new Hadrian soon if it goes at the right price! TIF that is an awesome Africa denarius btw!
Travelling to Africa required a means of transportation, perhaps a nice boat. I previously believed that TELLVS STABIL referred to home for safety from earthquakes but the figure with farm implements suggests that the hope was a consistent bountiful crop (much of which was grown in Egypt). After you get to Africa (referring to places west of Egypt, I suspect), perhaps you will want a city specific ALEXANDRIA coin. I deeply regret that no emperor saw fit to issue a coin from Giza with pyramids. Finally, lest anyone think Hadrian went to Africa just for vacation, consider this as honoring his raising the continent from squalor through various building programs.