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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 319

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 319. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Hadrian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped and cuirassed, right, viewed from front, with the legend IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted, cuirassed, standing facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield, with the legend P M TR P COS III.

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 the Roman Empire from 117 to 138 as a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, adopting the imperial form of address Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus. After succeeding Trajan, he abandoned expansionist policies in favour of establishing stable, defensible borders and unifying the empire's disparate peoples, while undertaking major building schemes across the provinces and in the imperial capital, Rome.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this gold coin represents the aureus, which served as the principal gold denomination of ancient Rome from the first century BC until the early fourth century AD. Originally valued at 25 silver denarii, the aureus was standardised under the empire. The coin's obverse bears the emperor's portrait alongside the legend "IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG", while the reverse depicts Mars, helmeted and cuirassed, holding a spear and shield, accompanied by the inscription "P M TR P COS III".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Hadrian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped and cuirassed, right, viewed from front
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, cuirassed, standing facing, holding spear and resting hand on shield
Obverse legend
IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P COS III

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 319
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P COS III
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

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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