Coins and Historical Medals

Roman Imperial Coinage, Hadrian, Sestertius, c. 120-2, laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder, rev. reliqva vetera hs novies mill abolita, lictor standing right, holding fasces and lighting pile of records with torch; three citizens standing left, raising hands in approval, SC in exergue, 24.86g (RIC 265=CNG Triton VII/931, same dies; Strack 558; BMC 1210; C 1213; RCV 3626). Good fine, brown patina, extremely rare £400-£600

The reverse of this remarkable issue commemorates an event initiated by Hadrian to promote his popularity; cancelling debts and burning promissory notes in a general amnesty for tax arrears. The scene takes place in Trajan’s Forum and depicts either Hadrian himself, or a lictor, applying a torch to a heap of documents, symbolising the debts being cancelled. The attendant citizenry show their appreciation and approval