Denarius of Hadrian

This is the first of two finds sent in this week by Steve Bartlett. It’s a Roman denarius, which turned up recently when Steve was detecting in Cumbria.

The find is a coin of Hadrian, whose dates are AD 117 to 138. On the obverse, facing right, is the bare head of the emperor. The legend is almost completely flat but if it was visible then the most likely reading would be IHADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. On the reverse the standing figure of Salus holds a patera in one hand and with the other hand feeds a snake rising from an altar; the legend on his side reads SALVS AVG.

In volume II of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values Hadrian denarii of this type are listed as number 3540. The type was struck at Rome and dates from AD 137.    

Valuation

The head of Hadrian on the obverse stands out well but most of the legend is flat. The second half of the reverse legend is also flat. It’s not a scarce type, so in its present condition I would price it no higher than £20.

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