Hadrian, 117-138. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 7.20 g, 6 h), Rome, 137. HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P Bare head of Hadrian to right. Rev. VOTA / PVBLICA On the right, Hadrian, veiled and togate, standing left, sacrificing out of patera over tripod with his right hand and holding roll in his left; on the left, attendant leading sacrificial bull to right; behind him and to left, victimarius raising axe to strike the bull, attendant with staff and flute-player standing right. BMC 776. Calicó 1404. Cohen 1480. RIC 2035. Very rare and with a wonderful reverse scene. Light scratches and scrapes and with two scuffs on the edge, otherwise, good very fine.


The reverse of this beautifully designed aureus records the vota publica, the public vows offered for the safety of the emperor and the welfare of the Roman state. Such vows formed part of the annual religious calendar and were renewed in formal ceremonies conducted on behalf of the Roman people. Here Hadrian, veiled and in toga, pours a libation from a patera over a tripod altar while holding a scroll, emphasizing his role as pontifex maximus and principal mediator between Rome and the gods.

The sacrificial procession is rendered with unusual completeness: an attendant leads the bull forward, a victimarius raises his axe for the killing blow, and a flute-player accompanies the rite, as prescribed in Roman sacrificial practice. The inscription VOTA PVBLICA makes explicit that this is not a private act of piety but a ceremony performed for the collective security and prosperity of the empire. The scene therefore presents Hadrian not merely as ruler, but as the guarantor of Rome’s proper relationship with the gods through the correct performance of public ritual.