Hadrian, 117-138, Denarius

Hadrian, denarius, AR, AD 117–138; Rome, AD 128–138; 3.30 g; 18 mm. Obv: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P; laureate head right. Rev: COS III; togate figure standing left, holding patera over lighted altar, scroll in left. Struck at Rome on the standard denarius module for the late Hadrianic series. RIC II.3 3028.

Issued after Hadrian accepted the title Pater Patriae in AD 128, this denarius pairs the mature obverse legend with a reverse naming his third consulship (AD 119), a formula reused later in the reign to underscore continuity of office and ritual duty. The sacrificial scene advertises imperial pietas and the ceremonial role of the princeps, while Rome remained the principal mint supplying the silver currency that financed administration, the army, and the emperor’s extensive travels and building projects across the provinces.