Hadrian, 117-138, Sestertius

Hadrian, Sestertius, AE (orichalcum), reign AD 117–138; Rome mint, struck after AD 128, likely c. AD 134–138; 22.80 g; 31 mm.

Laureate head right with legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. Reverse ADVENTVS AVG; the emperor on horseback left, raising right hand; S C in field. Struck at Rome in orichalcum as senatorial bronze (S C), on the large-module fabric characteristic of Hadrianic sestertii. References: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) 2076–2077. The ADVENTVS type publicizes the formal arrival of the emperor (adventus) at Rome or a provincial capital, a key ceremonial element of imperial presence. Under Hadrian, whose reign was marked by extensive travels and a return to Rome in the 130s, such types reinforced the message of personal oversight of the provinces; the S C on the reverse acknowledges the Senate’s authority over base-metal issues in the High Empire.