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RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 280

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 280. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Hadrian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Hadrian, radiate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right, with the legend IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III.

The reverse shows virtus standing right, resting foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium, with the legend VIRTVTI AVGVSTI // S C (in field).

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Hadrian ruled as Roman emperor from 117 to 138, adopting the official imperial style Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus. A member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, he abandoned the expansionist policies of his predecessor, Trajan, preferring to develop stable borders across the Roman Empire. During his reign, he conducted extensive travels throughout the provinces and pursued significant building programmes in Rome and elsewhere.

Produced at the mint of Rome in orichalcum, this dupondius represents a denomination valued at two asses, or half of a sestertius. Since the reign of Nero, dupondii were typically distinguished from the similarly sized as by the addition of a radiate crown on the emperor's portrait. The reverse carries the inscription "VIRTVTI AVGVSTI" alongside a depiction of Virtus holding a spear and parazonium while resting a foot on a helmet, accompanied by "S C" in the field.

Physical characteristics

Material
Orichalcum
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Hadrian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Hadrian, radiate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right
Reverse
Virtus standing right, resting foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium
Obverse legend
IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III
Reverse legend
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI // S C (in field)

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 280
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Orichalcum
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI // S C (in field)
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 278

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 279

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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