2020-01-24 Fri

During the peak of the Roman prosperity, Hadrian was the third of the Five Good Emperors. He presided over the glory days of the Roman Empire and is known for building projects, including Hadrian’s Wall, which marked the northern limit of Britannia.

Hadrian was born on 24 January 76, probably in Italica (near modern Seville) in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica. He was a military man and in order to build the trust of his troops, he spent a good amount of time with them, wearing military attire and dining with his soldiers. He is known for spending more time traveling throughout the empire than any other Emperor. To commemorate his travels and spread valuable political propaganda, Hadrian issued coins with various reverse types related to these journeys. Hadrian is remembered for his efforts to tie together the far-flung outposts of the Roman Empire.

He loved Greek art and his portrait on coins shows a noble profile in an idealized and attractive style. The above-shown copper sestertius was issued under his reign from Rome mint. This coin depicts the bare-headed, draped bust of Hadrian on its obverse face. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin portrays Emperor seated left on the platform, attendant distributing largesse to citizen ascending steps, Liberalitas in background.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions