Hadrian. Silver denarius, Rome, AD 119 – 122

Hadrian. Silver denarius, Rome, AD 119 – 122; 3.61 g, 18 mm, die axis 6 h. Obverse legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P shows a laureate head of Hadrian right. Reverse legend FORTVNA AVG depicts Fortuna standing left, holding a rudder set on a globe in her right hand and a cornucopia in her left; tiny S C flanking the figure is absent on precious-metal issues. RIC II.3 (Hadrian) 215; BMCRE 226; RSC 681. Attractive mid-grey tone with peripheral golden highlights; complete legends and a clear Fortuna reverse, minor edge split at 6 o’clock before strike.

Issued soon after Hadrian’s third consulship began (1 January 119), the coin promotes Fortuna Augusta, guardian of the emperor’s destiny. The rudder-on-globe symbolises her control over Rome’s course, while the cornucopia promises continuing abundance. Hadrian had just embarked on the first stage of his extensive provincial tours, and silver denarii of this series travelled with the imperial party to meet tax obligations and military pay, circulating a consistent message of stable good fortune under the new princeps.