Dupondius — Hadrian — Salus AVG

Obverse: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate head of Hadrian right

Reverse: SALVS AVG ("the health/safety of the emperor"), Salus standing right holding patera, altar with snake coiled around to right, S C in field

Mint Info: Rome, AD 133–135

Catalogues: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) 2170–2172

Mass: 11.56 g

Diameter: 24.5 mm

The reverse type SALVS AVG presents Salus, the Roman personification of health, safety, and well-being, performing a ritual offering with a patera beside an altar around which a serpent is coiled. The serpent was an ancient symbol of healing and renewal, while the sacrifice reflects the hope for the emperor's continued health and the stability of the Roman state. The S C marking in the field indicates that the issue was struck under senatorial authority, as was traditional for Roman bronze coinage.

Hadrian ruled the Roman Empire from AD 117 to 138 and is remembered for consolidating Rome's frontiers through extensive travels and defensive building projects such as Hadrian's Wall in Britain. The dupondius was a bronze denomination valued at two asses and remained an important part of everyday Roman commerce throughout the imperial period. Reverse types invoking SALVS were frequently used by emperors to communicate divine protection, public welfare, and the continued prosperity of the imperial household.