Ancients
Hadrian (AD 117-138). AV aureus (20mm, 6.91 gm, 6h). Rome, AD 122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right, viewed from front / P M TR P COS III, Jupiter enthroned left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and grounded vertical scepter in left. RIC II 64. BMCRE 107 variant (bust type). Calicó 1304 (S5). A lovely and problem-free example, struck in high relief, with attractive light reddish toning in fields. NGC AU 5/5 - 5/5.This gold aureus was struck early in Hadrian's reign and its military-style portrait deliberately evokes his predecessor, Trajan. The reverse image of Jupiter bearing a thunderbolt likewise evokes the might and majesty of imperial rule.
Estimate: 10000-14000 USD