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Roman Empire Hadrian AR Denarius AD 117-138 NGC VF
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| $143.51 | $149.10 |
This silver denarius was struck during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 117 to 138. Hadrian is remembered as one of the "Five Good Emperors" and presided over a period of relative peace and prosperity. His extensive travels throughout the provinces and his emphasis on consolidating rather than expanding the empire's borders marked a shift in imperial policy. This denarius has been certified by NGC Ancients as VF and represents a tangible connection to one of Rome's most cultured and transformative rulers.
The obverse presents a laureate bust of Hadrian facing right, his portrait rendered in the classical style that emphasized maturity and gravitas. The legend HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS encircles the portrait, with strong letter definition despite the natural wear associated with circulation. The reverse depicts Salus, the goddess of health and well-being, standing left and holding a patera over an altar while feeding a serpent coiled around it. The legend SALVS AVG identifies the reverse type, a common and symbolic motif during Hadrian's reign that reflected the emperor's concern for the welfare of the state and its people.
Graded VF by NGC Ancients, this denarius displays moderate circulation wear with clear device definition on both sides. The surfaces exhibit an even gray patina consistent with age and burial, while the central motifs remain boldly outlined. Hadrianic denarii are widely collected for their historical importance and the variety of reverse types issued during his long reign. We have multiple examples available for purchase similar to the coin in the images.
