Obverse: IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust of Hadrian facing right.

Reverse: FORT RED (in ex.) PONT MAX TR POT COS II S C, Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopiae.

Sear: 3598. RIC: 551a. BMCRE: 1130. [Rome, AD 118].

Diameter: 34 mm. Weight: 24.3 g.

An absolutely stunning brass sestertius of Hadrian struck in the early years of his reign. After a long journey travelling from Antioch, through Asia Minor and the Danube provinces, Hadrian finally arrived in Rome on 9 July AD 118, almost a year after his accession to the throne following the death of Trajan in Cilicia. The reverse inscription FORT RED is an abbreviation of Fortuna Redux, Redux means “returning” and on this coin refers to Hadrian’s safe arrival in Rome from the East. As you can see from the photographs this coin is in superb condition, perfectly centred with every detail sharp and clear. It is the exquisite patina however, that marks this coin out as a remarkable specimen - a completely natural malachite patina of gem-like beauty! This coin would grace any collection of ancient coins.