JUDAEA. Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem). Hadrian, with Antoninus Pius as Caesar, 117-138. AE (Bronze, 24 mm, 10.15 g, 12 h), 25 February-10 July 138. IMP CAE TRAIA [HADRIANO AVG] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right, seen from behind. Rev. IMP T [AEL CAES ANTONINVS] C A K Bare head of Antoninus Pius to right. Kadman, Aelia 9. Meshorer, Aelia 9. Rosenberger 9. RPC III 3970. Samel -. Shoshana -. Sofaer 10. Rare. Somewhat smoothed and with minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, very fine.



Since Antoninus Pius was raised to the rank of Caesar only a few months before Hadrian’s death, the present coin can be dated with unusual precision. Hadrian selected Antoninus as his successor on 24 January 138, but his formal adoption and elevation to Caesar did not take place until 25 February; Hadrian died on 10 July. The coin must therefore have been struck between 25 February and 10 July 138. It provides a striking illustration of how closely developments in the imperial succession were followed even in the more distant provinces, and how swiftly provincial mints could respond to them with new issues.