2022-05-10 Tue

The dupondius or two-pounder was a brass coin used during the Roman Republic and even during the Roman Empire. Here’s an epic ancient Dupondius coin minted during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in Rome around 125-128 AD.

Hadrian was Roman emperor from 117 to 138. Hadrian was deeply interested in literature – especially Greek literature – and Egyptian mysticism and magic. Hadrian was the first Roman emperor to wear a full beard. This has usually been seen as a mark of his devotion to Greece and Greek culture. Hadrian openly displayed his love of Greek culture.

The Dupondius coin shown above depicts a radiate bust of Hadrian on the obverse facing right with slight drapery on the far shoulder. The reverse depicts a Pegasus springing to the right, COS above, III in exergue, SC below.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com