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Denarius - Hadrian SALVS AVG, Salus
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 137-138 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
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| Obverse description | Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Emperor Hadrian facing right, with his characteristic short beard and layered hair rendered in fine detail. The effigy presents a mature, naturalistic portrait typical of Hadrianic imperial coinage. The Latin legend encircles the bust along the coin's periphery. The overall style reflects the high-quality portraiture associated with the Rome mint during the late Hadrianic period. |
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| Reverse description | Salus, the personification of health and well-being, stands in a graceful contrapposto pose facing left, draped in a long flowing garment. In her right hand she holds a patera over a flaming altar, around which a serpent is coiled; in her left hand she carries a long sceptre. The composition is a standard and well-attested type in Hadrianic coinage, symbolising the emperor's concern for public welfare. The reverse legend is distributed in the field around the figure. |
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| Additional information |
Issued in Hadrian's final year or two of rule, when the emperor was gravely ill and succession arrangements were consuming Roman political attention. The SALVS AVG type — invoking the health of the emperor — took on an uncomfortably literal meaning during this period; Hadrian suffered from what ancient sources describe as dropsy and hemorrhages severe enough that he reportedly begged members of his household to help him die. He outlasted the coin's optimism by a narrow margin, dying in July 138.