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Hadrian. AD 117-138. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.15 g, 6h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck 133-134. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right / AFRICA, Africa, draped, wearing elephant-skin headdress, reclining left, placing right hand on neck of lion standing left, and resting left arm on basket; to right, two stalks of grain growing. RIC II.3 1487; Strack 296δo; Beckmann, Gold dies a12/AFL1; Calicó 1197 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE 808 note. Faint hairlines. Near EF. Rare. Struck with fine style dies.
From the PLZ Collection. Ex Heritage 3049 (8 September 2016), lot 30259.
Hadrian’s visit to northern Africa, including the provinces of Numidia and Mauretania, took place as part of his second great provincial tour, which began in AD 128. As one of the Empire’s chief sources of grain, it was important that Africa remain secure from attack and loyal to the central government. During his inspection of the legionary fortress of Lambaesis, located in modern Algeria, he gave a lengthy oration praising the cavalry and infantry troops for their military prowess, the whole of which was carved into a stone inscription that has survived to this day. This lovely gold aureus pairs Hadrian’s portrait with a reverse showing Africa as a reclining woman wearing an elephant-skin headdress, her right hand stroking the mane of a lion lying next to her. A beautiful coin in hand.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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