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Sestertius - Hadrian EXERCITVS SYRIACVS S C
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 130-133 |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Hadrian on horseback advancing right, his right hand raised in adlocutio gesture addressing the troops. Before him stand three or more legionary soldiers bearing military standards. The composition commemorates the emperor's inspection of the Syrian army during his eastern tour. The legend EXERCITVS SYRIACVS appears in the field, with the senatorial authority mark S C disposed in the lower field or exergue. |
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| Additional information |
Hadrian's "exercitus" sestertius series — issued to commemorate his extensive tour of the empire's provincial armies between 121 and 134 AD — represents one of the most ambitious coin propaganda campaigns of the Principate. The Syrian legions honored here were garrisoned along the Euphrates frontier, the perennial pressure point with Parthia. Hadrian had visited Syria around 129-130, personally reviewing troops and reportedly tightening discipline that had grown lax under his predecessor's more aggressive eastern policies.
The EXERCITVS series is known to exhibit considerable die variation, and Syrian examples are among the scarcer provincial army types.