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Sestertius - Lucius Aelius TR POT COS II PIETAS S C, Pietas
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 137 |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Bare-headed, draped bust of Lucius Aelius Caesar facing right, with curly hair rendered in the naturalistic Antonine style. The portrait displays the characteristic physiognomy of Aelius, adopted heir of Hadrian, with strong facial features and a slightly idealized treatment typical of Hadrianic court workshops. A dotted border frames the design at the rim. The encircling legend reads L AELIVS CAESAR in Latin capitals. |
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| Mintage | ND (137) |
| Additional information |
Lucius Aelius Caesar was Hadrian's first chosen successor, adopted in 136 AD despite — or perhaps because of — his popularity with the army on the Danube frontier. The PIETAS reverse type was a deliberate piece of Hadrianic messaging: framing the adoption as a religious and dynastic obligation rather than mere political calculation. Aelius died of tuberculosis on January 1, 138, before he could succeed, forcing Hadrian to adopt Antoninus Pius within weeks. The entire coinage struck in Aelius's name spans barely fifteen months.