Description
Caesar Traianus Hadrianus, Roman Emperor of the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty 117-138 AD, Silver Denarius (3.21g, 18mm), Rome mint 119-122 AD. Obverse: Laureate bust of Hadrian facing to the right, aegis resting on far-left shoulder, legend surrounds, “IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG”. Reverse: Pietas stands facing forward, head turned to the left, draped and veiled and raising both hands, legend surrounds, “PM TR P COS III”. RIC-96; RSC-1115. A choice and lightly toned example, the flan is somewhat ragged which is easily overlooked, Hadrian is engraved powerfully and dignified, portrayed in the light of his predecessor Trajan which was frequently displayed with an Aegis, Extremely Fine, reverse near Extremely Fine.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Imperātor Caesar Trāiānus Hadriānus Augustus”, naming the emperor’s full regnal name. The Reverse Latin legends reads “Pontifex Maximus, Tribūnīciā Potestās prīmum, cōnsulāritās tertium”, with an English translation of “Chief High Priest of the College of Pontiffs, invested with Tribunician Power for the first time, honoured with the office of Consul for his third term”.