Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIV 21 Sep 2017
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Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right with drapery on far shoulder / SPES P R, Fortuna-Spes standing left, leaning on rudder set on globe and holding flower and cornucopiae. RIC 275; C. 1409; Calicó 1379; BMCRE 332. 7.39g, 19mm, 6h.
Very Fine.
The present type, which conflates the personifications Spes and Fortuna, has been suggested to relate, along with several other types from the period, to the adoption of Aelius by Hadrian (see RIC II, p. 327). Mattingly and Sydenham here observe that "Fortuna denotes the fruition of Empire, Spes the expectation of it". Possibly recalling his own adoption by Trajan in controversial circumstances, Hadrian's circumspect appointment of an heir ensured a smooth succession, thus allowing for the continued prosperity of the empire in what would come to be regarded in later years as a golden age.
Very Fine.
The present type, which conflates the personifications Spes and Fortuna, has been suggested to relate, along with several other types from the period, to the adoption of Aelius by Hadrian (see RIC II, p. 327). Mattingly and Sydenham here observe that "Fortuna denotes the fruition of Empire, Spes the expectation of it". Possibly recalling his own adoption by Trajan in controversial circumstances, Hadrian's circumspect appointment of an heir ensured a smooth succession, thus allowing for the continued prosperity of the empire in what would come to be regarded in later years as a golden age.