Sestertius - Hadrian PONT MAX TR POT COS II CONCORDIA S C, 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#148, OCRE#ric.2_3(2).hdn.148 |
| 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 CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG (Translation: Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus. Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar, 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 II CONCORDIA S C (Translation: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Secundum. Concordia. Senatus Consultum. High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the second time. Harmony. Decree of the senate.) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (117) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1479365790 |
| Información adicional |
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Historical Context: This Sestertius, struck in 117 AD, marks Emperor Hadrian's pivotal accession year following Trajan's death. His succession required careful consolidation of power. The reverse legend, PONT MAX TR POT COS II, highlights his immediate assumption of imperial titles. CONCORDIA and SPES, accompanied by S C, served as powerful propaganda. Concordia symbolized harmony within the empire and with the Senate, crucial for a new ruler. Spes, representing hope, projected a positive outlook for Hadrian's reign during this transition.
Artistry: Specific engravers remain largely anonymous for Roman imperial issues, yet this Sestertius exemplifies the High Imperial Roman stylistic school. The obverse likely features an idealized portrait of Hadrian, characteristic of the era's classical influence, emphasizing his imperial authority. The reverse masterfully depicts Concordia seated, holding a patera and cornucopia, symbolizing abundance and agreement. Spes stands before her, holding a flower and lifting drapery, personifying the optimistic future. The balanced composition reflects the refined artistic standards of Hadrian's early reign.
Technical/Grading: Struck in orichalcum, this Sestertius measures 32.5 mm and weighs 25 grams. High-points for grading include Hadrian's hair, nose, and ear on the obverse. On the reverse, critical details are Concordia's facial features, drapery folds, and attributes. Similarly, Spes's face, the flower, and garment folds are key. Due to the large flan and high relief, Sestertii often exhibit some weak strike or off-centering, particularly on the edges. A well-centered strike with full details on both figures and legends is highly prized.