Emperors of Rome. Hadrian, 117-138 AD. 128 AD. AV-Aureus 7.22 g. Rome Mint.
Obverse: HADRIANUS AUGUSTUS, laureate head of Hadrian right
Reverse: COS III, Hadrian on horseback right, raising right hand
References: RIC II 186; BMCRE 430; Hill 380; Cohen 406; Calico 1215a
Provenance: Ex Coin Galleries, Stack's, December 18, 2007, lot 392; Coin Galleries, Stack's, February 12, 2007, lot 204; Classical Numismatic Group 42, May 29, 1997, lot 907; Sotheby’s, March 7, 1996, lot 183; Ex Virgil Brand Collection, Part 1, Sotheby's, July 1, 1982, lot 16; Baron Friedrich Von Schennis Collection, Dr. Jacob Hirsch Auction XXXIII, November 17, 1913, lot 1242 (sold to Lederer for 205 Marks, probably the distinguished numismatist Dr. Philip Lederer who died in Lugano in 1944). It is uncertain when the coin passed to Virgil Brand.
Description: Hadrian, the third of the “Five Good Emperors,” ascended to the throne as the heir to his distant cousin Trajan. While Hadrian lacked the martial spirit of his predecessor, Hadrian was an energetic polymath, who did a great deal to solidify (after shrinking) the Empire’s borders, and to transform the Empire’s increasingly bloated bureaucracy. Unlike the coinage of his early reign, this aureus does not feature a portrait of Hadrian in militaristic style. This piece, as is typical of his later coinage, features a much larger head of fine style, and with Hadrian’s ubiquitous philosopher’s beard. Additionally, as is typical of Hadrian’s later coinage, both the obverse and reverse legends have been simplified, which would become a feature of Hadrian’s coinage for the duration of his reign.
This beautiful aureus, struck in high relief with a portrait of remarkable serenity is thoroughly Hellenistic, idealistic, and highly reminiscent of coinage of the original Augustus. The reverse type, showing Hadrian astride a horse setting off on one of his many journeys, proved highly influential and was copied by many future rulers.
Reverse: COS III, Hadrian on horseback right, raising right hand
References: RIC II 186; BMCRE 430; Hill 380; Cohen 406; Calico 1215a
Provenance: Ex Coin Galleries, Stack's, December 18, 2007, lot 392; Coin Galleries, Stack's, February 12, 2007, lot 204; Classical Numismatic Group 42, May 29, 1997, lot 907; Sotheby’s, March 7, 1996, lot 183; Ex Virgil Brand Collection, Part 1, Sotheby's, July 1, 1982, lot 16; Baron Friedrich Von Schennis Collection, Dr. Jacob Hirsch Auction XXXIII, November 17, 1913, lot 1242 (sold to Lederer for 205 Marks, probably the distinguished numismatist Dr. Philip Lederer who died in Lugano in 1944). It is uncertain when the coin passed to Virgil Brand.
Description: Hadrian, the third of the “Five Good Emperors,” ascended to the throne as the heir to his distant cousin Trajan. While Hadrian lacked the martial spirit of his predecessor, Hadrian was an energetic polymath, who did a great deal to solidify (after shrinking) the Empire’s borders, and to transform the Empire’s increasingly bloated bureaucracy. Unlike the coinage of his early reign, this aureus does not feature a portrait of Hadrian in militaristic style. This piece, as is typical of his later coinage, features a much larger head of fine style, and with Hadrian’s ubiquitous philosopher’s beard. Additionally, as is typical of Hadrian’s later coinage, both the obverse and reverse legends have been simplified, which would become a feature of Hadrian’s coinage for the duration of his reign.
This beautiful aureus, struck in high relief with a portrait of remarkable serenity is thoroughly Hellenistic, idealistic, and highly reminiscent of coinage of the original Augustus. The reverse type, showing Hadrian astride a horse setting off on one of his many journeys, proved highly influential and was copied by many future rulers.