Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd
Auction 127 30 Aug - 2 Sep 2021
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HADRIAN, (A.D. 117-138), AE as, issued 130-133, Rome mint, (11.27 g), obv. laureate draped bust to right of Hadrian, around HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP, rev. HISPANIA around, Hispania reclining left, SC in exergue, (S.-, RIC II, 1671, BMC 1754). Toned, good very fine, and a rare type.
The reign of Publius Aelius Hadrianus did much to transform the Roman Empire from a supreme city imposing its will on subject peoples into a true commonwealth of nations. Hadrian was born in Rome in AD 76, the son of a distinguished Spanish senator and related through his mother to the future Emperor Trajan. As the prot?g? of the emperor, Hadrian seemed marked out for the succession, but he was not formally adopted until Trajan lay on his deathbed in August, AD 117. The transition proved rough, and four distinguished ex-consuls were summarily executed for plotting a coup. Relations with the Senate remained strained throughout the reign. Hadrian abandoned many of Trajan's over-ambitious conquests and engaged in a policy of peace abroad and reform at home. His building projects were many and long-lasting, including Hadrian's Wall in northern Britain and the Pantheon in Rome. Under his patronage, Roman art and sculpture reached its creative peak. He spent most of his 21-year reign travelling, visiting every province of the Roman Empire. There are two incredible travel series issues of coinage produced in all metals under Hadrian - one with just the name of the province, such as this AE as and the other also including Adventvs Avg in the legend. (footnote from Heritage Auctions for a similar sestertius coin).
The reign of Publius Aelius Hadrianus did much to transform the Roman Empire from a supreme city imposing its will on subject peoples into a true commonwealth of nations. Hadrian was born in Rome in AD 76, the son of a distinguished Spanish senator and related through his mother to the future Emperor Trajan. As the prot?g? of the emperor, Hadrian seemed marked out for the succession, but he was not formally adopted until Trajan lay on his deathbed in August, AD 117. The transition proved rough, and four distinguished ex-consuls were summarily executed for plotting a coup. Relations with the Senate remained strained throughout the reign. Hadrian abandoned many of Trajan's over-ambitious conquests and engaged in a policy of peace abroad and reform at home. His building projects were many and long-lasting, including Hadrian's Wall in northern Britain and the Pantheon in Rome. Under his patronage, Roman art and sculpture reached its creative peak. He spent most of his 21-year reign travelling, visiting every province of the Roman Empire. There are two incredible travel series issues of coinage produced in all metals under Hadrian - one with just the name of the province, such as this AE as and the other also including Adventvs Avg in the legend. (footnote from Heritage Auctions for a similar sestertius coin).