Hadrian, Denarius, 117
Rome - Silver - AU(55-58) - RIC:92
Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped and cuirassed, right, viewed from front.
Pietas, veiled, standing left, raising hand
This coin has an extremely rare type! It most likely belongs to the reference RIC II, 3, 92, with a draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian. However, this type is almost unknown, with only 3 coins in public collections in group RIC 90-91-92 (which represent the varieties of this issue) and only one corresponding to the description. However, the difference between this example and the public example and an example seen for sale in July 2023 is the presence of a fibula on the drape, which our example does not have. This example is therefore unique because of its coin engraving, which differs from the very rare coins found in public collections or at auction. We can deplore the fact that the flan is broken at 7 o'clock as well as a few traces of corrosion on the coin, in particular on the reverse. However, it is in a superb state of conservation, with almost no traces of circulation apart from on the portrait's temple. In addition, the engraving is excellent and there is very little sign of circulation marks, making this coin extremely interesting, not only for its extreme rarity but also for its quality.
IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
P M TR P COS DES II // PIETAS
3.18 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “AU(55-58)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(55-58)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has been in circulation but sufficiently little that its original beauty is preserved almost in its entirety. The wear is barely visible and any other defect can only be identified with a magnifying glass or a particularly keen eye. The number (55-58) indicates that between three quarters and almost all of the original luster remains.
