1966.44

Denarius of Hadrian

3.385 g, AD 122

Obv.: Bust of Hadrian r., laureate, bearded, draped. IMP(erator) CAESAR TRAIAN(us) HADRIAN(us) AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Oceanus reclining l., draped, anchor in right hand, propping head on left arm which rests on dolphin. P(ontifex) M(aximus) TR(ibunicia) P(otestate) CO(n)S(ul) III.

Hadrian’s third and last consulship was in AD 119, and he lived until 138, so this coin is not closely dated by the consular number. It pre-dates Hadrian’s acceptance of the title pater patriae (father of his country) in AD 128. 

Hadrian travelled widely during his reign, and a long series of coins commemorates visits to different provinces. The reverse here is a more generalised reference to his travels (many of them by sea).

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 3518; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) 1110; Mattingly, H., Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 127, St. 104.