In an earlier thread entitled "Maximinus Thrax Sestertius: Might Makes Right!", it was demonstrated (thanks to a number of posts by enthusiastic members) how the Emperor's minted portraits changed over time. It was a fascinating exercise! Here I take that idea and apply it to Emperor Hadrian. Not so much directly due to the fact that he is a favorite of mine, but because he is the only personage for whom I have multiple coins. The first is a sestertius minted in 117 AD, during Hadrian's first consulship. A strong, youthful portrait of a man taking full control of the imperial reins.
Four of the five coins that follow bear the COS III designation and so fall anywhere between 119 and 138 AD. A very wide range, spanning almost the entirety of Hadrian's reign. Relying solely on this consular inscription to specifically date these coins is problematic at best. Fortunately, we have the skill of the ancient portraitist to give us a leg-up in figuring where such coins fit into this eighteen-year timeframe. Here is a nice copper As, struck in 121 AD. Firm idealized features of a man on the move.
A silver denarius depicting the emperor with a hint of a smile. Hadrian appears to be in his mid-to-late-forties. So perhaps 121/125 AD?
The next is an As found in northwestern Romania (if I recall correctly). In Roman times this was Dacia, a Roman province throughout Hadrian's rule. Here the emperor is depicted a bit older and much more sternly. 128-129 AD. It is easy to imagine the weight of the Empire beginning to effect the man. Mere mortal that he is.
Below is a beautiful tetradrachm minted in the province of Egypt, commemorating the Emperor's tour there in 130 AD. In his mid-fifties. His face is long and serious. A heavy brow wears the laurel.
Lastly, a heavy sestertius with the portrait of a man worn by life. The responsibilities of Empire, endless travel, and trauma of love lost, clearly showing on his thick features. 134-138 AD. A life lived indeed!
I encourage fellow members to post their own Hadrians here. Or indeed any coins that present "polaroid snapshots" of a long rule.
Posted 03/17/2022 1:41 pm
