AR28 - Hadrian COS III

Hadrian's COS III issues date his coinage to after 119 AD, when he assumed his third consulship — a title he held continuously for the remainder of his reign rather than cycling through annually as was common practice. The weight of this piece, at 10.25g, places it among the heavier survivors of Hadrianic silver, a reign already noted for inconsistent flan preparation at Rome.

Hadrian spent more time outside Rome than any emperor before him, and his extensive provincial tours directly influenced mint output, with commemorative and honorific types proliferating to mark cities he visited.