Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 6.96 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. Near VF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 778. Estimated: $ 2 000

Roman Imperial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 6.96 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck late AD 121-123. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory and spear; shield, bow and quiver to right. RIC II.3 538; Calicó 1334. Lightly toned, mark on reverse, a few tiny edge marks. Near VF.

Publius Aelius Hadrianus, born to an aristocratic family in Roman Spain, lost his biological parents by AD 86 and became the ward of the future emperor Trajan, another Spaniard. As a young man, Hadrian began a career in the Roman government and military, and in about AD 100 married Sabina, a favored great-niece of Trajan. He also cultivated the friendship of Trajan’s wife Plotina. Though widely regarded as a favorite for the succession, Hadrian was not formally named Caesar until Trajan fell fatally ill in Cilicia while returning from his great eastern campaign. It was not a universally popular choice and rumors immediately spread that Hadrian’s adoption was stage-managed by Plotina after Trajan had already died. Hadrian, serving as governor of Syria, took immediate action to secure the throne, inducing the eastern legions to acclaim him as emperor by means of a hefty bonus. He then wrote to the Senate declaring his accession a fait accompli, but requesting his formal designation as emperor along with the deification of Trajan. With no real alternative, both requests were readily granted.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session Three – Lot 588-888 will be held Tuesday morning, 19 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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