Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS DES II CONCORDIA SC, Concordia and Spes

発行体 Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
年号 117
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius
通貨 Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
材質 Orichalcum
重量 25 g
直径 32.5 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 RIC II.3#93, OCRE#ric.2_3(2).hdn.93
表面の説明 Bust of Hadrian, laureate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right.
表面の文字体系 Latin
表面の銘文 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).)
裏面の説明 Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and resting on figure of Spes; cornucopia under throne.
裏面の文字体系 Latin
裏面の銘文 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.)
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (117) - -
Numisquare ID 1113265450
追加情報

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.

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