Hadrian Æ Medallion. Rome, circa AD 123-128. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right, slight drapery over far shoulder / The animal symbols of the Capitoline Triad: eagle (representing Jupiter) standing left on thunderbolt, head right; to left, owl (Minerva) perched right on shield; to right, peacock (Juno) standing left; COS III below. RIC II.3 2825; C. 431; Banti 207; Mittag 32-34; Gemini III, 368 (framed, hammer $9000). 83.61g, 54mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare; the third known example set within an orichalcum 'frame'.

From a private American collection.

This remarkable medallion has been produced by striking a large single piece of orichalcum with a sestertius-sized die, rather than the 'frame' being added as a separate piece later, as with later bi-metallic medallions.