Dupondius of Hadrian

This attractive looking coin is number four from the group that came in from Stephen Palmer. It is Roman, made of copper or bronze and measures 26mm in diameter.

On the obverse is a laureate head of Hadrian and a legend that reads HADRIANVS AVGVSTA. On the reverse is a seated figure facing left, holding a long sceptre in one hand and a patera in the other. About half the legend on this side is unclear.

When the images came through I wasn’t sure of the exact size so I had to ask what it was. I was told it was 26mm, which matches the size of a dupondius (brass and two to a sestertius) and an as (copper and four to a sestertius). The dupondius usually had a radiate head on the obverse and the copper as a standard head.  However, during the reign of Hadrian the dupondius doesn’t always have a radiate head on the obverse.

This coin took some time to pin down. It wasn’t in volume II of Roman Coins and Their Values but it was listed in Roman Imperial Coins as number 1275. Despite not having a radiate head on the obverse this coin is a dupondius. The seated figure on the reverse is the personification of Justice and if the full legend was visible it would read COS III P P IVSTITIA AVG. Below the figure of Justice is S C, which is an abbreviation for Senatus Colsulto (by Decree of the Senate).   

Valuation

As already mentioned, part of the reverse legend on Stephen’s find isn’t clear but the coin is otherwise in VF condition. It is far finer than most of the large base metal Roman coins that turn up regularly as detecting finds. It’s also quite rare and to a Roman specialist it should be worth at least £200.

Valuation Service

If you would like your coin identified or valued, please read about my valuation service and contact me