Ancient and Islamic Coins, Antiquities

Hadrian, Denarius, Eastern mint, c. 130-5, laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder, rev. Asia standing left, foot on prow, holding reaping hook and rudder, 3.06g (cf. RIC II 3168; cf. RSC 189; RCV 3462). Nearly very fine, the variety apparently very rare £150-£200

Provenance: P. Webb Collection, Vecchi Auction 5 (London), 5 March 1997, lot 534

The reverse design is more detailed than on the specimens struck at Rome: the prow is more prominent, while the rudder is held at a quite different angle. This style of reverse is normally found coupled with a bare-headed portrait