Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 25.62 g, 11h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. EF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 55.
Closing Date: May 19 2026 11:00 ET

The PLZ Collection, Bronze

Estimate: $ 7 500

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Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 25.62 g, 11h). “Travel series” issue (“Provinces cycle”) – The province alone. Rome mint. Struck circa AD 130-133. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust right / AFRICA above, S C in exergue, Africa, draped, wearing elephant-skin headdress, reclining left, holding scorpion in right hand and cornucopia in left, left elbow resting on rock; to left, basket of three grain ears between two poppies. RIC II.3 1609; Strack 709ζ; Banti 92; cf. BMCRE 1710 (number of grain ears; no poppies). Magnificent green-brown patina, small area of light pitting on obverse. EF.

From the PLZ Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 240 (10 October 2016), lot 501.

This marvelous Travel-Series sestertius of Hadrian depicts Africa similarly to the aureus (Lot 54), although the much larger flan gives the die engraver more scope to depict fully depict details not seen, or only sketchily shown, on the aureus. Africa’s bountiful figure is more fully realized and the rock supporting her left arm, and the grain ears emerging from the basket at her feet, and rendered with lifelike realism. A beautiful enamel-like green patina completes this numismatic masterpiece. Bronzes of Hadrian’s travel series are notoriously found in low grade with circulation wear (and problems). This is a stunning high-grade coin that is absolutely the exception to the rule for the series.

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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