Silver denarius of Hadrian (AD 117–138), struck at the Rome mint in AD 134–138, belongs to issues from the final phase of his reign, when imperial coinage emphasized themes of stability, prosperity, and divine favor supporting the emperor and the state.
The obverse presents a head of the emperor facing right with the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, reflecting his official titulature, including his third consulship and the title Pater Patriae. This combination of titles is characteristic of the later emissions of the Rome mint and serves as a reliable basis for dating this group of denarii.
The reverse depicts Fortuna standing left, holding a rudder (gubernaculum) and a cornucopia, with the legend FORTVNA AVG. In Roman iconography, Fortuna embodied fate and prosperity; the rudder symbolized control over the course of events, while the cornucopia represented abundance and well-being. The addition of AVG associates this aspect of Fortuna directly with the emperor, emphasizing the concept that the fortune of the state is guided and secured under imperial authority.
Roman Imperial
Hadrian (117-138), Denarius 134-138, Rome mint
Obverse: bare head right
HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP
Reverse: Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae
FORTVNA AVG
Diameter 19 mm, weight 3.08 g
