Sestertius - Hadrian VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C, Victory

Hadrian's VICTORIA AVGVSTI sestertii of 120–121 were issued in the wake of his consolidation of power following Trajan's death in 117 and the rapid, controversial suppression of four senior senators whom Hadrian denied ordering executed. The victory imagery was almost certainly tied to his diplomatic settlement with Parthia — surrendering Trajan's eastern conquests rather than fighting to hold them — a decision the Senate received with considerable suspicion. Victory without war was a difficult thing to sell in bronze.