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RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 423

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 423. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Hadrian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Hadrian, laureate, 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 libertas seated left, holding branch and sceptre, with the legend LIBERTAS PVBLICA // S C (in exergue).

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, succeeding Trajan as a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. His official form of address was Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus. Rather than pursuing expansionist territorial gains, he focused on building stable borders across the empire and engaged in major building projects in Rome and the provinces.

This orichalcum sestertius was struck at the Rome mint. During the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a large brass denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius, useful for commerce. The coin features an obverse portrait of the emperor with the legend "IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III", paired with a reverse depicting Libertas seated with a branch and sceptre alongside the legend "LIBERTAS PVBLICA" and "S C" in the exergue.

Physical characteristics

Material
Orichalcum
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Hadrian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Hadrian, laureate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right
Reverse
Libertas seated left, holding branch and sceptre
Obverse legend
IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III
Reverse legend
LIBERTAS PVBLICA // S C (in exergue)

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 423
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Orichalcum
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III
Reverse legend to match
LIBERTAS PVBLICA // S C (in exergue)
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 422

    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 424

    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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