Hadrian (AD 117-138). AR denarius (18mm, 7h). NGC XF, scratches. Rome, ca. AD 119-122. IMP CAESAR TRAIAN H-ADRIANVS AVG, laureate head of Hadrian right, slight drapery visible on left shoulder / P M T-R P-COS III, Roma, standing facing, head left, wearing Amazonian-like short tunic, Victory standing right in outstretched right hand, grounded scepter in left. RIC II.3, 597. Publius Aelius Hadrianus was born in AD 76, the son of a distinguished Spanish senator and related through his mother to the future Emperor Trajan, who took him into his household when Hadrian was nine years old. After Trajan's accession, Hadrian held a series of civilian posts, including a consulship in AD 108, and commanded legions during the Dacian and Parthian wars. Hadrian was not formally adopted until Trajan lay on his deathbed in August, AD 117; after succeeding to the throne, Hadrian abandoned many of Trajan's over-ambitious conquests and engaged in a policy of peace abroad and reform at home. He spent most of his 21-year reign traveling, visiting every province of the Roman Empire. Under his patronage, Roman art and sculpture reached its creative peak. Hadrian came to see himself as a "second Augustus," providing the empire with a new foundation as a vast commonwealth of nations under Rome's guiding hand. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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