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Dupondius or As - Lucius Aelius TR POT COS II S C, Spes
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 137 |
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| Diameter | 25 mm |
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| Obverse description | Bare-headed bust of Lucius Aelius Caesar facing right, with short curly hair and a slight beard, draped at the shoulder. The effigy is rendered in high relief with naturalistic portraiture characteristic of Hadrianic-era bronze coinage. The circular Latin legend runs along the periphery, contained within a beaded border. The portrait conveys the youthful yet mature character associated with Aelius as Hadrian's designated successor. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
Lucius Aelius was Hadrian's first choice of successor, adopted in 136 AD despite having no prior political profile commensurate with the honor — and despite being visibly consumptive. The TR POT COS II dating places this issue in 137, the final year of Aelius's life. He died on January 1, 138, before Hadrian, rendering the entire adoption moot. Hadrian then adopted Antoninus Pius within weeks, on the condition that Antoninus in turn adopt the future Marcus Aurelius.
Coins of Aelius are scarce relative to other imperial family members precisely because his formal position lasted under two years.