Sestertius - Hadrian DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS P P CONCORDIA SC, Concordia and Spes

Struck in the first months of Hadrian's reign, this issue belongs to a carefully orchestrated legitimacy campaign following Trajan's death in August 117. Hadrian's succession was contested — his adoption by the dying emperor was announced only after Trajan had already died, with his wife Plotina and praetorian prefect Attianus controlling the news. The pairing of Concordia with Spes on this sestertius was deliberate messaging: harmony with the senate and the army, hope for a stable transition, at a moment when neither was guaranteed.

The Dacicus and Parthicus titles in the legend are inherited from Trajan. Hadrian would quietly abandon the Parthian conquests within months.