Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS DES II CONCORDIA SC, Concordia and Spes
| Emisor | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Año | 117 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius |
| Moneda | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composición | Orichalcum |
| Peso | 25 g |
| Diámetro | 32.5 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | RIC II.3#93, OCRE#ric.2_3(2).hdn.93 |
| Descripción del anverso | Bust of Hadrian, laureate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del anverso |
IMP CAES DIVI TRA PARTH F DIVI NER NEP TRAIANO HADRIANO AVG (Translation: Imperator, Caesar, Divi Traiani Parthici Filius, Divi Nervae Nepos, Traiano Hadriano Augustus. Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar, son of divine Trajan, conqueror of the Parthians, grand-son of divine Nerva, Trajan Hadrian, emperor (Augustus).) |
| Descripción del reverso | Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and resting on figure of Spes; cornucopia under throne. |
| Escritura del reverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del reverso |
PONT MAX TR POT COS DES II CONCORDIA SC (Translation: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Designatus Secundum. Concordia. Senatus Consultum. High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul elect for the second time. Harmony. Decree of the senate.) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (117) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1113265450 |
| Información adicional |
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Historical Context: This Orichalcum Sestertius, dated to 117 AD, is a pivotal issue from the nascent reign of Emperor Hadrian. Struck immediately following Trajan's death and Hadrian's contested succession, the legend PONT MAX TR POT COS DES II precisely dates it to late 117, indicating his first tribunician power and designation for his second consulship. The reverse, CONCORDIA SC, depicting Concordia standing between Spes, was a critical propaganda message. It aimed to legitimize Hadrian's rule by projecting stability and harmony (Concordia) and promising a hopeful future (Spes) to the Roman people and Senate, especially after the contentious execution of the "Four Consulars" that same year.
Artistry: This coin exemplifies the High Imperial Roman artistic style prevalent during the early Hadrianic period. While specific engravers remain anonymous, the dies were crafted by highly skilled artisans adhering to the imperial mint's established aesthetic. The obverse features a dignified, classicizing portrait of Hadrian, reflecting the refined, often Hellenizing, artistic sensibilities that would increasingly define his reign. The allegorical figures of Concordia and Spes on the reverse are rendered with graceful drapery and balanced composition, maintaining the meticulous detail and idealized forms characteristic of the preceding Trajanic era.
Technical/Grading: This Sestertius, weighing 25g and measuring 32.5mm, demands specific attention to its high points for optimal grading. On the obverse, crucial details susceptible to wear include Hadrian's hair, ear, and the highest folds of his toga. The reverse requires clear definition of the facial features and drapery of both Concordia and Spes, along with their respective attributes (patera, cornucopia, flower). A strong, centered strike is paramount, ensuring full, sharp legends and well-defined figures. Surface preservation, including an even, attractive patina and absence of significant corrosion or tooling, greatly enhances its numismatic value.