Sestertius of Hadrian - 1978.14

Acquisition number: 1978.14

Other images

Rev.: Annona (Grain supply) with a cornucopia, containing grain-ears and a poppy, a modius and the high prow of ship

Obv.: Bust of Hadrian r., laureate, bearded, drapery on left shoulder. IMP(erator) CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Annona standing r., draped, cornucopiae in left hand, right hand on hip; in front, modius (grain measure) containing two grain-ears and poppy; behind it, prow of ship right. PONT(ifex) MAX(imus) TR(ibunicia) POT(estate) CO(n)S(ul) II. In field, S(enatus) C(onsulto). In exergue, ANNONA AVG(usti).

Title: Sestertius of Hadrian - 1978.14

Acquisition number: 1978.14

Author or editor: Beryl Rawson

Culture or period: Roman Imperial

Date: AD 118

Material: Metal - Brass

Object type: Coins - Roman

Dimensions: 31mm (w)

Origin region or location: Italy

Origin city: Rome

Display case or on loan: 7

Keywords: Coin, sestertius, Roman, Imperial, Hadrian, Annona

Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 1125 and pl. 76.5; Robertson, A. Roman Imperial Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet, University of Glasgow 5 vols (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1962-1982) II 119 no. 316 and pl. 27.

1978.14

Sestertius of Hadrian

22.963 g. AD 118

Obv.: Bust of Hadrian r., laureate, bearded, drapery on left shoulder. IMP(erator) CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Annona standing r., draped, cornucopiae in left hand, right hand on hip; in front, modius (grain measure) containing two grain-ears and poppy; behind it, prow of ship right. PONT(ifex) MAX(imus) TR(ibunicia) POT(estate) CO(n)S(ul) II. In field, S(enatus) C(onsulto). In exergue, ANNONA AVG(usti).

Hadrian held his second consulship in AD 118. This coin indicates his concern for the food supply (annona) from early in his reign. Although he had become emperor on Trajan’s death in AD 117, he did not return to Rome from the East until the middle of 118.

Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 1125 and pl. 76.5; Robertson, A. Roman Imperial Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet, University of Glasgow 5 vols (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1962-1982) II 119 no. 316 and pl. 27.