Coins and Historical Medals

Roman Imperial Coinage, Hadrian, As or Dupondius, 119-20, laureate and draped bust right, rev. Britannia seated left, head facing, foot on rock, resting head on hand and holding sceptre, elbow resting on large shield with prominent spike, britannia in exergue, 9.03g (RIC 242; RCV 3676; S 635). Fine and rare £100-£150

This scarce issue was struck during a long series commemorating Hadrian's travels around the empire. Between 119 and 133, the emperor travelled throughout his domains, visiting various provinces to take stock of his inheritance and calm the disquiet which had arisen in the later years of Trajan's reign. The first tour began c. 119 when Hadrian visited the provinces of Gaul and Germania Inferior and Superior, later crossing to Britannia where, during his stay, the construction of Hadrian's Wall began to protect the empire’s northern border