124, Lot: 255. Estimate $150. Sold for $147. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. Æ Dupondius (29mm, 12.67 g). Struck 119-121 AD. Radiate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / Pietas standing right, dropping incense into lighted altar. RIC II 601b; BMCRE 1231; Cohen 1044. VF, glossy dark green patina.

An unusual coin that was overstruck on another coin with a different reverse type. Parts of the undertype is clearly visible on the reverse; the beginning of the legend PM, the last letter of the legend I, the lower part of the border of dots. Also, the feet of Pietas and the lower SC are from the undertype. Interestingly, the obverse shows no traces of over striking.

During various periods in Rome's history, the mint employed a system where two reverse dies of different types were used with one obverse die, the Celators switching back and forth between reverses with each successive strike. In this case though, no coins are recorded with this obverse die that have reverse legends that begin PM, nor do any earlier issues of Hadrian. An enigmatic coin.