Silver denarius of Hadrian (AD 117–138), struck at the Rome mint in AD 134–138, belongs to issues from the final phase of his reign, when the imperial coinage strongly emphasized the emperor’s safe return and the stability of the state following his extensive travels throughout the provinces.
The obverse shows a head of the emperor facing right with the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, reflecting his official titulature, including his third consulship and the title Pater Patriae. This combination of titles is characteristic of the later years of his rule and provides a firm basis for dating the issue.
The reverse depicts the emperor standing left, clasping hands with Fortuna, accompanied by the legend FORTVNAE REDVCI. This type belongs to the established iconography of Fortuna Redux, the aspect of Fortuna associated with the safe return of the ruler. Such imagery appears in Roman coinage in connection with imperial journeys and reflects the formal cult practice of offering vows for the emperor’s successful return to Rome.
Roman Imperial
Hadrian (117-138), Denarius 134-138, Rome mint
Obverse: bare head right
HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP
Reverse: Hadrian standing right, clasping hands with Fortuna
FORTVNAE REDVCI
Diameter 19 mm, weight 2.86 g
