Hadrian, 117-138. Aureus (Gold, 22 mm, 7.20 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 128-129. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right, seen from behind. Rev. COS III Hadrian on horseback to right, raising his right hand in salute and holding reins with his left. BMC 504. Cohen 411. Calicó 1223a. RIC 945. Strack 215. Rare and struck on an exceptionally broad flan. Minor marks and a faint scratch on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.


This beautiful aureus of Hadrian depicts an adventus, the ceremonial arrival of the emperor. Rooted in Republican triumphal processions and closely associated with divine epiphany, an adventus was far more than a simple arrival: it was an imposing display of imperial power, often commemorated with coin types showing the emperor on horseback, greeting his subjects. For Hadrian - whom we now rightly call the 'travelling emperor' for his numerous and often years-long journeys across the empire - no reverse type could have been more appropriate.