Hadrian, 117-138. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.28 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in the East, circa 128-130. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P Bare head of Hadrian to left. Rev. PAX AVGVS Pax standing front, head to left, holding olive branch in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. BMC -. Cohen -. RIC II.3 -. Strack -. Apparently unpublished and unique, with a magnificent eastern portrait. Minor marks and with very light deposits, otherwise, about extremely fine.



Despite the recent comprehensive re-publication of Hadrian’s coins in a dedicated volume of the RIC, we continue to be surprised by the eastern coinage of the well-traveled emperor. This piece, featuring a magnificent left-facing portrait, was previously unknown and undoubtedly ranks among the finest products from Hadrian’s eastern mints.