Hadrian, 117-138 AD. AE Sestertius (27.18g). Struck at Rome year 875 (A.D. 121). Laureate and draped bust of the emperor to right. Reverse: ANN DCCCLXXIIII NAT VRB P CIR CON. Genius of the Circus reclining left, head right, supporting wheel on knee and holding three obelisks. RIC 609; Cohen 164; BMC 1242-3. Some roughness, but otherwise quite decent. Mottled reddish and dark green patina. One of the rarest sestertii of Hadrian's reign. NGC graded Very Fine; Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, scratches. Estimated Value $700 - 900
A remarkable coin, along with an associated gold aureus, bears a date which starts from the foundation of Rome. The balance of Roman imperial coins are dated by the reigns and titles held by the individual emperors. This interesting reverse type depicts the Genius of the Circus reclining left, supporting a wheel on her knee which is emblematic of the chariots that raced on the track.
Ex CGB. fr. April 30, 2008, Lot 497; Ex V. Ryan, Glendining, April 12, 1952.