Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 132 30-31 May 2022
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Hadrian augustus, 117 – 138
Aureus 121-123, AV 7.33 g. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. P M T – R P – COS III Jupiter seated l., holding thunderbolt in r. hand and sceptre in l. C 1060. BMC 107. RIC 64 = RIC II, 512. Calicó 1304b.
An attractive and unusual bust struck in high relief. Two almost
invisible marks, otherwise good extremely fine
Ex Leu 72, 1998, 431 and NGSA 5, 2008, 227 sales.
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.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 scuffs, NGC certification number 6159308-005.
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Aureus 121-123, AV 7.33 g. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. P M T – R P – COS III Jupiter seated l., holding thunderbolt in r. hand and sceptre in l. C 1060. BMC 107. RIC 64 = RIC II, 512. Calicó 1304b.
An attractive and unusual bust struck in high relief. Two almost
invisible marks, otherwise good extremely fine
Ex Leu 72, 1998, 431 and NGSA 5, 2008, 227 sales.
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.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 scuffs, NGC certification number 6159308-005.
View a video of this lot