Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 129-130 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC II.3#1010, OCRE#ric.2_3(2).hdn.1010 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped, right, viewed from rear or side. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS (Translation: Hadrianus Augustus. Hadrian, emperor (Augustus).) |
| Reverse description | Clementia standing left, holding patera and sceptre. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
CLEMENTIA AVG P P COS III (Translation: Clementia Augusti. Pater Patriae, Consul Tertium. Clemency of the emperor (Augustus). Father of the nation, consul for the third time,) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (129-130) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1015719260 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This denarius, issued between 129 and 130 AD, hails from the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD), a period characterized by consolidation, extensive imperial travels, and a focus on internal stability rather than aggressive expansion. The reverse legend, CLEMENTIA AVG P P COS III, prominently features the imperial virtue of Clementia (clemency or mercy). This emphasis was particularly pertinent as Hadrian, having adopted the title Pater Patriae (P P) in 128 AD and serving his third consulship (COS III), sought to project an image of a benevolent and just ruler, reinforcing the stability and peace he cultivated across the vast Roman Empire during his second grand tour.
Artistry: The coin's artistry is typical of the High Imperial Roman mints, specifically Rome, which did not attribute works to individual engravers. The style reflects a classical influence, evident in the balanced composition and idealized yet realistic portraiture. The obverse would feature a laureate bust of Hadrian, conveying imperial authority. The reverse depicts the personification of Clementia, standing with a patera, symbolizing piety and ritual, and a sceptre, representing imperial power. This iconography, with Clementia as a robed female figure, was a standard visual lexicon for communicating imperial virtues, executed with precision characteristic of the period's finest die engravers.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this denarius weighs approximately 3.2 grams and measures 18.5 millimeters, consistent with the standard denominations of the Hadrianic era. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike quality include Hadrian's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and Clementia's facial features, drapery folds, patera, and sceptre on the reverse. A well-struck example would exhibit sharp details in these areas, often retaining some original luster. Technical strike qualities vary; full, centered strikes with strong relief are highly desirable, though minor planchet flaws or off-centering are not uncommon for the period.