Ancient Roman Silver Denarius of Emperor Hadrian, 117 AD – Justitia Seated

Product Description:

This silver Denarius, struck in 117 AD at the Rome Mint, captures the early reign of Emperor Hadrian, one of Rome’s most renowned and effective rulers. The obverse features the inscription "IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO AVG DIVI TRA," highlighting Hadrian’s succession to the deified Trajan, his adoptive father. The reverse bears the legend "PARTH F DIVI NER NEP PM TR P COS" and depicts the goddess Justitia seated left, holding a patera and scepter, symbolizing justice and moral order, virtues central to Hadrian’s rule.

Cataloged as RIC-3d and ERIC-803, this Denarius is a well-preserved artifact of Hadrian’s rise to power and his dedication to embodying Roman ideals of fairness and governance. With sharp details and historical significance, this coin is an excellent addition for collectors of ancient Roman currency.

History in Context

Emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 AD, is often remembered as one of Rome's "Five Good Emperors," a title given to a series of rulers who presided over the Roman Empire during its most stable and prosperous period. Unlike his predecessors, Hadrian was more interested in consolidating and securing the empire rather than expanding its borders. His reign was marked by a deep commitment to the arts, architecture, and law, which left a lasting legacy throughout the Roman world.

Hadrian is perhaps best known for his extensive travels across the empire. Unlike most emperors, who ruled from Rome, Hadrian spent much of his reign visiting nearly every province, from Britannia to Egypt, ensuring the stability and integration of the empire's vast territories. One of his most famous constructions is Hadrian's Wall in northern Britain, a formidable fortification that marked the northern boundary of Roman Britain and symbolized Rome’s power and reach.

Hadrian was also a patron of the arts and a keen architect. He personally designed the Pantheon in Rome, a masterpiece of Roman engineering with its revolutionary dome and oculus. His villa at Tivoli, an opulent retreat outside of Rome, reflected his love for Greek culture, which heavily influenced his aesthetic and intellectual pursuits.

Another fascinating aspect of Hadrian's reign was his relationship with Antinous, a young Greek man whom Hadrian deified after his untimely death. The cult of Antinous spread throughout the empire, with temples and statues erected in his honor, revealing Hadrian's deep personal attachment and the significant cultural impact of their relationship.

Hadrian's reign was also marked by efforts to codify Roman law and administration, aiming to create a more consistent and just legal system across the empire. His coinage, like the denarius featuring Justitia, often reflected these values of justice and moral order.

Hadrian's ability to balance military might with cultural patronage and legal reform made his reign one of the most successful and admired in Roman history. His efforts to secure the empire's frontiers, promote cultural integration, and uphold the principles of Roman law and justice set a high standard for the emperors who followed.