Hadrian’s Travels

Triton XIX, Lot: 542. Estimate $5000. Sold for $7500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (19.5mm, 7.03 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 134-138. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / AEGYPTOS, Egypt reclining left on serpent-entwined basket and holding sistrum; at feet to left, column surmounted by ibis standing right. RIC II 296h var. (bust type); Calicó 1189a (same dies as illustration); Biaggi 575 var. (bust type); BMCRE 7936 var. (same). VF, a few minor marks. Rare.

Hadrian's extended imperial tour of the provinces lasted for a large portion of his years as emperor. In order to take stock of his inheritance as well as calm the disquiet which had arisen in the later years of Trajan's reign, the new emperor traveled throughout the provinces, reestablishing the Roman order, and reconnecting with local governments, ultimately ensuring the Pax Romana for another half-century.