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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 590

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 590. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Hadrian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Hadrian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows river god (Euphrates?) reclining left, holding rudder and resting hand on urn pouring forth water, with the legend P M TR P COS III.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
9
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 imperial form of address Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus. A member of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, he departed from the expansionist policies of his predecessor, Trajan, abandoning territorial gains in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Armenia, and parts of Dacia. Instead, Hadrian focused on establishing stable, defensible imperial borders and pursued the unification of the empire's diverse peoples and subjects.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this gold aureus represents the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, which was standardised during the imperial period and originally valued at 25 silver denarii. The obverse bears the emperor's laureate portrait and the title "IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG". The reverse legend "P M TR P COS III" accompanies a reclining river god, tentatively identified as the Euphrates, holding a rudder and resting a hand on an urn pouring forth water.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Hadrian

Design

Obverse
Head of Hadrian, laureate, right
Reverse
River god (Euphrates?) reclining left, holding rudder and resting hand on urn pouring forth water
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 590
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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