Æ24 - Hadrianus ΔΑΜΑCΚΗΝⲰΝ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛEⲰC, Divus, Damascus

Historical Context: This Æ24 coin from Damascus, issued in 138 CE, commemorates Divus Hadrianus, signaling his posthumous deification shortly after his death in July of that year. As a significant provincial center, Damascus, designated ΔΑΜΑCΚΗΝⲰΝ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛEⲰC (Metropolis of the Damascenes), played a crucial role in disseminating imperial propaganda and the Roman imperial cult throughout Syria. The coin underscores the emperor's enduring legacy and the provincial administration's loyalty to the new imperial order, solidifying Hadrian's place in the Roman pantheon.

Artistry: While specific engravers for provincial bronzes are seldom identified, the coin's artistic execution reflects a local Damascene workshop's interpretation of Roman imperial portraiture. The obverse likely presents a laureate or veiled bust of the deified Hadrian, rendered with a provincial stylistic blend, combining classical Roman ideals with local Syrian artistic traditions. The overall design would have aimed for immediate recognition and reverence for the emperor, adhering to the iconographic standards for deified rulers while maintaining a distinctive local flair.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 12.7 grams and measuring 24 mm, this bronze coin exhibits typical characteristics of provincial issues. High-points on the obverse portrait would include the hair, brow, and nose, which are often susceptible to wear and can indicate the coin's grade. The strike quality can vary, with potential for off-centering or areas of weaker impression, particularly common on the flans of locally produced bronzes. Flan preparation, while generally circular, might show minor irregularities in thickness or shape, reflecting regional minting practices.