Hadrian AR Denarius, Rome AD 130, Romulus advancing, ROMVLO CONDITORI

Hadrian, Denarius, silver, reign AD 117–138; Rome mint, AD 130; 3.24 g; 18.5 mm. Obv: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P; laureate bust right. Rev: ROMVLO CONDITORI; Romulus advancing right, holding spear and trophy over shoulder. Struck at Rome in the period after Hadrian assumed the title P P (AD 128), on the denarius standard. Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (2nd ed.) Hadrian 1424.

This reverse belongs to Hadrian’s series celebrating Rome’s origins, invoking Romulus as the city’s founder. Issued soon after the emperor’s adoption of the title Pater Patriae and during major building and restoration activity in the capital, the type articulated continuity with Rome’s foundational traditions and projected a disciplined, martial image of the state’s legendary first king under Hadrian’s rule.