HADRIAN (117-138). Denarius. Rome.

Obv: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P.
Laureate bust right, with slight drapery.
Rev: TELLVS STABIL.
Tellus standing left, holding plow and rake; two grain ears to right.

RIC² 2052.

Mother Earth among the Italic peoples and for Rome was generally named 'alma' or 'tellus,' source of nourishment for all living things. She was celebrated on April 15, when a pregnant cow was sacrificed to her. In the cult it was generally linked with Ceres, goddess of the harvest. The association with the fertility of the earth is evidenced by the symbols on the reverse of this coin, but the most usual representation is a woman lying on the ground holding a cornucopia. Tellus was granted the ability to influence human generation and thus control population growth, so she was honored in marriages. In addition, all bodies returned to her womb after death, so she also had a prominent role in funeral rites.

Condition: Near mint state.

Weight: 3.56 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.