Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXI 24-25 Mar 2021
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Hadrian AV Aureus. Rome, circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare-headed and draped bust to right / RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE, emperor standing to left, raising kneeling Achaea; palm frond in vase between. RIC II.3 1565; RIC II 321; BMCRE 868; Biaggi 648 = Calicó 1345. 7.24g, 20mm, 7h.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
The reverse of this rare aureus features the legend RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE, which celebrates Hadrian's role as the 'Restorer' of Achaia; the province which encompassed much of Greece (including the prominent poleis of the Peloponnese, Attica, Boeotia and Euboea) and had been a part of the Empire since its annexation following the Achaean War of 146 BC that culminated in the capture and razing of Corinth.
Hadrian's extensive voyages throughout the imperial provinces are well attested and the ancient sources reveal that he visited Achaia on at least three separate occasions between the years AD 124-137. The present issue, which dates from 130-133, shows Hadrian helping a kneeling Achaea to regain her footing; a clear but effective metaphor for his restoration of the province. A palm frond, a customary attribute of Victory on Roman coinage but also a prize that was given to triumphant athletes in Greek competitions, sits between the pair, placed in a vase comparable to the traditional Greek amphora. This reverse type was part of a series minted in the 130s that celebrated the emperor's renovations and restorations of those provinces he visited, including Hispania and Africa.
It is likely that this present coin was specifically issued to commemorate the founding of the 'Panhellenion' - a league of cities reminiscent of those inaugurated by the Greek poleis in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. As one of the Empire's leading cultural hubs, Athens was recognised as the league's capital. The establishment of the Panhellenion appears to have been a clear attempt to unite the cities of Achaia and revive the notion of the shared Greek identity which had existed during the 5th century BC and proved decisive in conquering the invading Persian armies. An unapologetic philhellene, Hadrian viewed himself as the guardian of Greek culture; and during his reign numerous cities, Athens foremost among them, benefited from his patronage in the form of elaborate building works.
Admission to the Panhellenion was subject to intense scrutiny of a city's 'Hellenism', however, meaning that it became exclusive and dominated by its most powerful city, Athens, just as the analogous Delian League had been during the 5th century BC. Frustrated at their lack of influence, and perhaps jealous of Athens' renewed prestige, other cities gradually began to abandon the Panhellenion and it did not survive in any meaningful form after Hadrian's death in 138.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
The reverse of this rare aureus features the legend RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE, which celebrates Hadrian's role as the 'Restorer' of Achaia; the province which encompassed much of Greece (including the prominent poleis of the Peloponnese, Attica, Boeotia and Euboea) and had been a part of the Empire since its annexation following the Achaean War of 146 BC that culminated in the capture and razing of Corinth.
Hadrian's extensive voyages throughout the imperial provinces are well attested and the ancient sources reveal that he visited Achaia on at least three separate occasions between the years AD 124-137. The present issue, which dates from 130-133, shows Hadrian helping a kneeling Achaea to regain her footing; a clear but effective metaphor for his restoration of the province. A palm frond, a customary attribute of Victory on Roman coinage but also a prize that was given to triumphant athletes in Greek competitions, sits between the pair, placed in a vase comparable to the traditional Greek amphora. This reverse type was part of a series minted in the 130s that celebrated the emperor's renovations and restorations of those provinces he visited, including Hispania and Africa.
It is likely that this present coin was specifically issued to commemorate the founding of the 'Panhellenion' - a league of cities reminiscent of those inaugurated by the Greek poleis in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. As one of the Empire's leading cultural hubs, Athens was recognised as the league's capital. The establishment of the Panhellenion appears to have been a clear attempt to unite the cities of Achaia and revive the notion of the shared Greek identity which had existed during the 5th century BC and proved decisive in conquering the invading Persian armies. An unapologetic philhellene, Hadrian viewed himself as the guardian of Greek culture; and during his reign numerous cities, Athens foremost among them, benefited from his patronage in the form of elaborate building works.
Admission to the Panhellenion was subject to intense scrutiny of a city's 'Hellenism', however, meaning that it became exclusive and dominated by its most powerful city, Athens, just as the analogous Delian League had been during the 5th century BC. Frustrated at their lack of influence, and perhaps jealous of Athens' renewed prestige, other cities gradually began to abandon the Panhellenion and it did not survive in any meaningful form after Hadrian's death in 138.