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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,042 |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Yes, yes. I know. I didn't really need yet another Hadrian. His coins already dominate my rather small collection (roughly twenty percent of thirty-five specimens). I simply could not however resist this rough but impressive coin.  Once again I am won over by the incredible quality of the portrait. What can I say? The man enlisted some top notch artistic talent to cut his images! In this case, I was fascinated by the emperor's nearly beardless representation. Fairly youthful look. Before he went full-on Greek perhaps. Pure speculation on my part, but maybe...struck early in his reign. Say the early 120's? Also notable is the goddess depicted on the reverse: Annona...the personification of the grain supply. A touching bit of imperial propaganda, representing the emperor's power to take care of the people of Rome. For a man bearing the weight of an empire of his shoulders...he sure does look serene! Hadrian, 117 - 138 AD, AE As. Obverse: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, Laureate head of Hadrian right. Reverse: ANNONA AVG S C, Annona standing left, holding grain ears over a modius at her feet, and a rudder on the prow of a galley. Rome Mint, 23mm, 7.62 grams Edited by circusmax120
10/18/2023 4:14 pm
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Moderator
 United States
187676 Posts |
Very nice!  |
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Moderator
United States
94765 Posts |
Very cool, but be sure to save soon if them for the rest of us
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Valued Member
 United States
319 Posts |
Ha! *shaking head* I know what you're saying, Dearborn...but fear not! My focus is so narrow...and my budget so tight...I can acquire very few specimens each year (and I am sometimes set back by a necessary sell-off). Which is why I try to celebrate each and every pick-up. They are few and far between and I am never sure how much time I will have to appreciate them!
I totally agree with that thumbs-up, jbuck!
Edited by circusmax120
10/18/2023 4:15 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3634 Posts |
Very interesting example and summary. Thanks for sharing!
Member of SPMC, FCCB, ANA and ANS. My U.S. Classic Commemorative Complete Set: https://www.NGCcoin.com/registry/co...sets/278741/My U.S. Fractional Note Set: https://notes.www.collectors-societ...eSetID=34188 |
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Moderator
United States
15389 Posts |
As a complete novice in this arena I appreciate both your excellent summary of this coin and your obvious enthusiasm to pursue them. I say well done indeed - and carry on to fill your collecting dreams. |
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Pillar of the Community
Portugal
655 Posts |
Hadrian is always popular with collectors Perhaps he was popular with engravers in his time.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
Another impressive portrait, Mike. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
2222 Posts |
Very nice, thanks for sharing!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
878 Posts |
Do you have any with hispania rabbits on them?
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Thank you hokie, C-frog, and southsav. Couldn't agree with you more. Focusing on high quality, realistic portraits makes it difficult to find inspiring specimens. Especially with my ever-tightening budgetary constraints. The search can be quite tiring, but as you can see...it does pay off! Quote:
your obvious enthusiasm Well, nickel...I cannot help myself! Paul and Bob: The portrait is indeed quite impressive, despite the surface roughness. Attractive toning and lots of remaining details. It was exciting to find this beauty! Quote:
Perhaps he was popular with engravers in his time. The emperor certainly enlisted the very best whenever possible, jezc. Just look at those details. The eyelids! The coin itself measures 23mm. The portrait is a little bit smaller than my thumbnail!! Hadrian's head is only 11mm. You can't even see the eyelids while holding the coin in your hand. Mind-boggling! Quote:
Do you have any with hispania rabbits on them? Hmm...no rabbits as of yet, captainmandrake. Perhaps I will someday find a great Hadrian with the Hispania rabbit reverse. I'm always on the look out for something special. If I do acquire one, I will be sure to share it here with this awesome Community! |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Quote:
Paul and Bob: The portrait is indeed quite impressive, despite the surface roughness. Attractive toning and lots of remaining details. It was exciting to find this beauty! Not Paul and Bob...I meant Jim...and Bob. Early onset senility on my part. But the coin is STILL a beauty! Edited by circusmax120
10/20/2023 3:11 pm
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,042 |
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Posted 10/18/2023 3:41 pm
Uncirculated American Silver Eagles 
