Hadrian (AD 117-138). AV aureus (20mm, 7.20 gm, 6h). NGC VF 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, ca. AD 133-135. HADRIANVS-AVG COS III P P, bare bust of Hadrian right, seen from behind / Hadrian on horseback trotting right, right hand raised in gesture of address. RIC II.3, 2036. Calicó 1166. Handsome and simple portraiture on a marigold flan. Midway through his reign, in AD 125, Hadrian's coinage underwent a thorough redesign. His early militaristic portrait style, which depicted his entire upper bust either armored, draped or "heroically nude," was replaced by a much larger head of highly refined style; the obverse legend, which in Trajanic fashion had formerly provided all his names and titles, was simplified to HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS. Reverse types and legends were also simplified, with many providing only providing the title COS III ("Thrice Consul") or entirely anepigraphic with the consular title added to the obverse. This aureus, with a portrait of remarkable serenity, perfectly embodies Hadrian's Augustan vision - the style is thoroughly Hellenistic, idealistic, and highly reminiscent of coins of the original Augustus. The reverse type, showing Hadrian astride a horse setting off on one of his many journeys, proved highly influential and was copied by many future rulers. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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