Hadrian, Denarius, 130-138
Fourrée - Silvered bronze - EF(40-45)
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Head of Hadrian, laureate, right.
Pietas standing right, raising hand and holding incense box; to right, altar
Extremely interesting contemporary forged denarius. On the obverse, it combines a Hadrianic type struck between 130 and 138, with the inscription “COS III”. On the reverse, a much rarer type, from a denarius of Lucius Aelius. Considering the limited number of types representing Pietas, we can assume that the model used by counterfeiters for the reverse was a denarius of the RIC II, Part 3² Hadrian 2630 type. He was Hadrian's adopted son, destined to become emperor after him, but died a few months after his adoptive father. He was also the father of Lucius Verus, co-emperor of Antoninus Pius. We have here a nice contemporary forgery, undoubtedly struck in 137 or shortly afterward, as Lucius Aelius' coins were only struck in 137.
HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
TR POT COS II / PIETAS
2.88 gr
An “EF(40-45)” 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:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
