Hadrian Augustus, A.D. 117 - 138 Bronze (Orichalcum) Dupondius Rome mint, (Group E) Obv: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P Rev: COS III - Salus, seated, feeding snake coiled around altar SC in exergue RIC 972 28mm, 10.6g. Considered one of the five “good” emperors, Hadrian spent much of his reign traveling around the empire, inspecting conditions in the territories and indulging his passion for hunting. Although some sources claim that his later years were marred by increasing paranoia and numerous executions, most agree that his reign was peaceful and prosperous. Note: Despite its light weight--similar to that of an As--the radiate bust denotes this coin as a dupondius. Return |