60, Lot: 114. Estimate $100. Sold for $120. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.37 gm). Struck 134-138 AD. Head right / Italia standing left, holding sceptre and cornucopiae. RIC II 307; RSC 867. Toned VF, obverse a little soft at edge, nick on reverse, light encrustation.

This coin commemorates Hadrian's final return to Italy in 136 AD when his series of imperial tours ended. Hadrian's own increasing ill-health necessitated his remaining close to the capital as well as adopting Aelius and, later, Antoninus Pius as heirs to the throne. In this way, his series of world tours ended.