★ NGC Ch XF 5/5, 5/5 ★

ROMAN EMPIRE. Hadrian.
Gold Aureus, AD 125-127. Rome.
Obv: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: COS III, Emperor on horseback right, brandishing spear.

In secure plastic holder, graded NGC Ch XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5, certification number 6944528-005.

Although no physical remnants or written descriptions of this specific statue survive, it is likely that the reverse side of this coin was inspired by an equestrian statue of Hadrian that once stood in Rome, now lost to history. Numerous such statues were erected in Rome to honour emperors, and we know of at least two depicting Hadrian - one of which was located at Aelia Capitolina on the Temple Mount.

Ex Pinewood Collection, Roma Numismatics Ltd, Auction XXIII (24/3/2022), lot 966 (hammer: £9,000).

Reference: RIC II.3-773; BMCRE-438; Biaggi 595 var. (bust type); Calicó-1226.
Rarity: Extremely Rare.
Weight: 7.26 g.