HADRIAN (117-138). Denarius. Rome.

Obv: IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIAN OPT AVG GER DAC.
Laureate bust right, with slight drapery.
Rev: PARTHIC DIVI TRAIAN AVG F P M TR P COS P P / ADOPTIO.
Trajan and Hadrian standing facing each other, clasping hands.

RIC² 10 (R2).

Rare

Hadrian's father died when he was only ten years old, so the future emperor Trajan was appointed his tutor. In 100, Hadrian married Vibia Sabina, the emperor's grandniece. He then followed the cursus honorum and became governor of Syria in 117, when Trajan died. At the time of the emperor's death, Hadrian was not only one of his closest and most eligible relatives, but he was also not far away. It was Plotina, Trajan's wife, who wanted to adopt Hadrian. It is unclear what happened when Trajan died, having fallen ill in Cilicia during the campaign against the Parthians. Hadrian's adoption, according to the historian Cassius Dio, was announced to the Roman Senate with a false letter from Trajan, actually written by Plotina. Hadrian however kept both women close and allowed Matidia to assist him until she died in 119 AD. At her death the emperor granted her a touching eulogy and organised spectacular gladiatorial games, and finally deified her by having a temple built in Rome. The reverse of this Denarius celebrates Hadrian's accession to the throne, showing the handover from Trajan, who is clasping his hand and implying that the former emperor himself had approved this succession.

Condition: Good very fine; luster in field.

Weight: 3.62 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.