Naville Numismatics Ltd.
Auction 38 11 Mar 2018
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Hadrian, 117-138 Aureus circa 120-123, AV 19.5mm., 6.91g. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. P M TR P COS III Roma seated l. on cuirass, holding Victory and spear, r. foot on helmet; at side, shield and behind, bow and quiver with arrows. RIC 77c var. (arms below throne); BMC 133. Calicó 1334.
Light graffito on obv., otherwise Very Fine/About Very Fine.
Ex Roma Numismatics sale XIV, 718.
Hadrian was an enigmatic figure composed of equally good and bad qualities. At times he could be incredibly cruel and calculating, like when early in his reign he executed several ex-consuls for allegedly conspiring against the throne, even though upon his accession he had promised never to execute a member of the senatorial order. At other times, he showed great sophistication in his understanding of the needs of the Empire. To start, he reverted the expansionist policies of his predecessor Trajan by pulling back some of the more ambitious borders, and then better fortifying them. He also made a virtual career of traveling throughout the provinces to administer his rule first-hand, which clearly had many positive effects.
Light graffito on obv., otherwise Very Fine/About Very Fine.
Ex Roma Numismatics sale XIV, 718.
Hadrian was an enigmatic figure composed of equally good and bad qualities. At times he could be incredibly cruel and calculating, like when early in his reign he executed several ex-consuls for allegedly conspiring against the throne, even though upon his accession he had promised never to execute a member of the senatorial order. At other times, he showed great sophistication in his understanding of the needs of the Empire. To start, he reverted the expansionist policies of his predecessor Trajan by pulling back some of the more ambitious borders, and then better fortifying them. He also made a virtual career of traveling throughout the provinces to administer his rule first-hand, which clearly had many positive effects.