AR26 - Hadrian COM - BIT (in field), ROM S P AVG (in entablature)

The Koinon of Bithynia — the provincial assembly representing the cities of Bithynia and Pontus — held the rare privilege of striking silver coinage under Hadrian, an authority most provincial bodies did not enjoy. The inscription referencing the Roman Senate and people alongside the provincial formula reflects the careful diplomatic choreography Hadrian maintained with the Senate throughout his reign, particularly after the executions of four consular legates at his accession left that relationship permanently strained.

Bithynia had been a bequest to Rome in 74 BC, the kingdom's last ruler Nicomedes IV dying without an heir. Provincial silver of this type circulated primarily for civic and religious festival payments.