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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 508

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 508. 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 hercules seated facing on pile of armor, holding club and distaff, 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 as Roman emperor from 117 to 138, succeeding Trajan as a member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. His official imperial address was Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus. Hadrian's governance focused on consolidating secure frontiers across the Roman Empire, direct administrative intervention, and extensive architectural programmes in Rome and the provinces.

This gold aureus was produced at the mint of Rome. The aureus served as the principal Roman gold denomination from the 1st century BC until the early 4th century AD, standardised under the Empire at a value of 25 silver denarii or 100 sestertii. The coin's obverse bears the imperial title "IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG", while the reverse carries the legend "P M TR P COS III" alongside an image of Hercules seated upon armour, holding a club and a distaff.

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
Hercules seated facing on pile of armor, holding club and distaff
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 508
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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