Hadrian (AD 117-138) AR Denarius - fine style

Fine style portrait of Hadrian

Hadrian succeeded Trajan in 117 AD amid rumors that his adoption was arranged by Trajan's widow Plotina, and he quickly abandoned Trajan's costly eastern conquests in favor of consolidating the frontiers - most famously with Hadrian's Wall in Britain. This COS II issue belongs to the very beginning of his reign, when Salus, the goddess of health and welfare of the state, was used to project stability during the uncertain transition of power.