"Bold and Sensitive" Budget Hadrian from Agora Auctions

I already have a Hadrian didrachm, but I always wanted to add an imperial issue of his. The problem was that since I already had an example of him (even if it only was provincial), I did not feel like paying a lot for a second coin of a ruler I already own.

This has been a long-term distant goal of mine, and thanks to a budget example and last second sniping at auction, I netted this baby for $75 including auction fees and shipping.

It's far from perfect, with some circulation wear and two small cracks on the flan from the minting process (frankly a fairly common thing to see for those of us who collect ancients), but the price and the interesting description made me go for it.

He is described by Agora as a "bold and sensitive portrait." LOL. I just hope I didn't overpay for this "bold and sensitive" man. Anyway, show me some of your sensitive Hadrians and feel free to discuss, comment, or criticize my latest purchase. If you think I overpaid, say so. I can take it.

Hadrian. A.D. 117-138. AR denarius (17.83 mm, 3.53 g, 7 h). Rome mint, struck A.D. 125-128. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Hadrian right / COS III, Annona or Abundantia standing left, right foot atop overturned modius, holding hook and cornucopiae. RIC 169 ; RSC 381 var.; BMC 379. VF/aVF, bold and sensitive portrait.

 

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Nice score Sallent. I think you got a good deal. It has really good obverse detail for the price and I love the flow lines.

My only Hadrian at the moment and I think most of you have probably already seen it. I have a few Hadrian coins on my watchlist so I don't think he will be lonely much longer


Out of curiosity how does the portrait of your new denarius compare to your didrachm? Was it a portrait upgrade?

 

Excuse me, it's actually a hemidrachm. The greek names for silver denominations always confuse me.



I would say yes, a huge portrait upgrade. Though I won't be selling my provincial Hadrian anytime soon.

 

$75 for an upgraded portrait and an imperial to boot. I'll go ahead and change my opinion to "great deal."

I also really like the Greek provential issues including your hemidrachm. Thanks for sharing Sallent.

 

Nice coin - good price @Sallent. I have too many Hadrians (if that is possible - ask @Okidoki).

 

Nice one Sallent. I managed to pick up a couple from Agora today too. I'll post them sometime. Did I see you also win a RR denarius?

 

Beautiful acquisition, Sallent! I'm a new Agora member and I saw your Hadrian and admired it. Agora is a great site! I bid on another coin and got left in the dust—LOL! A bit too rich for me. Even though I didn't win, I had fun.

 

I got outbid twice at the last minute and decided not to get into a bidding war. It was a nice RR denarius, but not one that is particular high on my list, so I don't mind waiting for another.

 

Nice example!

 

Thanks, I'm just hoping the hint of rainbow toning is stronger in person, and that it will only get stronger after a few years in a paper envelope.

 

Congrats on this winner

 

Very nice @Sallent, that's a great "bread-and-butter" coin. I know I've shown it before, but here's my denarius of Hadrian, issued in the first year of his reign:

 

uh..yeah...

 

Very nice Hadrian, nice upgrade (although, I really like that Hemidrachm!). $75? Slam-dunk! No worries!

I do have Hadrian, but very pedestrian...


RI Hadrian AR Quinarius 1.3g, 14mm Rome, AD 119-122 cuirassed laureate COS III Victory seated wreath palm RIC 108a


RI Hadrian 117-138 AR Quinarius Victory holding palm


RI Hadrian 117-138 AR Denarius Salus stdg feeding Snake

 

Any ruler who was around as long as Hadrian is going to have a variety of styles. Add to that the fact he had coins from more than one mint and probably dozens of engravers at the larger ones like Rome and it seems ridiculous to think you can cover the subject 'Hadrian' with only one coin. Your new coin seems a fine addition. I hope you will come to the opinion someday that you can tolerate another. Maybe, someday, you will even be like Bing (and I) and have 'too many'.

 

Unless Hadrian changes his name to Gordian III, I think 2 are enough for now. Now Gordian III, no problem, I'll take a dozen more please.

I'll eventually pick up a few more Hadrian, I'm sure, but right now I'm doing my best to focus on coin types/emperors that I don't yet have and are reasonably affordable. I'll start repeating rulers once I run out of those easy pickings I want and still lack.

The exception being Gordian III, who was only the coolest Roman to ever live.


Those Gordie III are some bad roaches

 

A worthy addition. I don't think you overpaid at all.

Some of my favorite coins are Hadrians.

 

Actually, I am really glad to see Gordian III made the exception list. He only has 10,000 or so interesting coins to collect and should keep you entertained for a long time. I don't collect Hadrian or Gordian but sometimes they seem to not take no for an answer.

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do like roaches.

 

well, i'll take the coins with legs anytime.

 

LOL... whuuuaat?