Emperors of Rome - A (Chronological) Portrait Gallery

[Jims,Coins]

Silver coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome during the reign of HADRIAN between 134 - 138 A.D. Obv. HADRIANVS.AVG.COS.III.P.P.: bare hd. r. Rev. FELICITAS.AVG.: Felicitas stg l., holding caduceus and branch. RSCII #614. RICII #234 pg.367. DVM #18.

Silver coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome during the reign of HADRIAN in 123 A.D. Obv. IMP.CAESAR.TRAIAN.HADRIANVS.AVG.: laur. hd. r. Rev. P.M.TR.P.COS.III./LIB.PVB.: Libertas seated l. on throne, holding branch and sceptre. RSCII #903 pg.140. RICII #127 pg.355. BMC #284. DVM #47/10. RCSVII #3502. (nice AVF, nearly centered, full legends, slightly raggedy edge, clean untoned metal).

Edited January 25, 2023 by Jims,Coins

[Roman Collector]

How about some bronzes in various denominations?

Hadrian, 117-138 CE.
Roman orichalcum semis, 4.12 g, 18.3 mm, 6 h.
Rome, 124-25 CE, possibly for use in Syria.
Obv: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped and cuirassed, right.
Rev: COS III S C, lyre.
Refs: RIC 688; RIC 2.3, 758; BMC 1359-61; Cohen 443; Strack 625; RCV 3701; McAlee 547a.

Hadrian, 117-138 CE.
Roman Æ as, 8.49 g, 23.3 mm, 6 h.
Rome, 125-128 CE.
Obv: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate and draped bust, right.
Rev: COS III, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding Victory and spear.
Refs: RIC 2.3 760; RIC 685; BMCRE 1356-57; Cohen 347; Strack 626; RCV 3700.

Hadrian, 117-138 CE.
Roman orichalcum dupondius, 13.78 g, , 26.1 mm, 7 h.
Rome, ca. 119-124 CE.
Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III, radiate and draped bust, right.
Rev: PIETAS AVGVSTI, Pietas, veiled, draped, standing facing right before a lighted altar, raising her right hand and holding a box of incense in her left.
Refs: RIC 601c; BMCRE 1233-34; Cohen 1044; Strack 542; RCV 3665; Hill 257.

[Severus Alexander]

In keeping with my remarks above on standardization, my favourite portrait of Hadrian is one that departs from the standard:

I think it has something in common with the Diomedes portraits.

Here's a more standardized portrait on a sestertius:

And my favourite coiffure of Sabina, on a dupondius:

 

Edited January 25, 2023 by Severus Alexander

[Roman Collector]

Here are a couple of Sabina coins from the IVNONI REGINAE issue of 128-134 CE.


Sabina, 117-137 CE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.28 g, 19.4 mm, 6 h.
Rome, 128-134 CE.
Obv: SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, diademed and draped bust, left.
Rev: IVNONI REGINAE, Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter.
Refs: RIC 401b; BMCRE 909 note; RSC 37a; RCV --; Strack 370; CRE 56.


Sabina, 117-137 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 22.51 g, 31.2 mm, 6 h.
Rome, 128-134 CE.
Obv: SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P, diademed and draped bust, right.
Rev: IVNONI REGINAE, Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter.
Refs: RIC 1028; BMCRE 1869; Cohen 38; RCV 3934; UCR 500; Strack 86.

[CPK]

@Roman Collector Don't worry we are almost there! 😉 

Nice coins both you and @Severus Alexander! 

[Roman Collector]

Oh, a question, @CPK -- is it too early for Aelius?

[Severus Alexander]

9 minutes ago, Roman Collector said:

Oh, a question, @CPK -- is it too early for Aelius?

Suggestion: if the Caesar didn't become emperor, then he goes with the dude who named him Caesar.  However, if the Caesar did become Emperor, his coins as Caesar wait until we're posting his coins as Emperor... i.e. at that point we post all of his portraits, both as Caesar and as Emperor.  (It's interesting to compare them, and confusing otherwise!)

So if we go with that... no! (But too early for A. Pi.)

In anticipation of @CPK's agreement: 😄 

(Really, the only question is when A. Pi as Caesar gets posted... when we get to him as Emperor, or under Hadrian.)

Edited January 25, 2023 by Severus Alexander

[Shea19]

Should be some great Hadrians coming our way in this thread.

My favorite Hadrian portrait is this denarius…he looks much tougher than usual.

Hadrian AR Denarius. Rome, 133-135 AD ,(18mm, 3.02g),HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head to right / SALVS AVG, Salus standing to right, feeding snake coiled round altar. RIC II.3 2048

I really like his Alexandrian portraits as well:

Hadrian, Alexandria, BI Tetradrachm, 136-137 AD (24.5mm., 13.20g). Laureate head of Hadrian r./ Rev. Demeter wearing peplos standing l. holding corn-ears and sceptre

Hadrian, Alexandria, BI Tetradrachm (24 mm, 12.68 g), RY 22 = 137/8. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙC ΤΡΑ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ Laureate head of Hadrian to right./ Rev. ΠΡΟΝΟΙΑ / L ΚΒ Pronoia standing front, head to left, holding Phoenix in her right hand and scepter in her left. RPC III 6252

 

[Roman Collector]

6 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said:

Suggestion: if the Caesar didn't become emperor, then he goes with the dude who named him Caesar. Otherwise we wait 'til the Caesar becomes Emperor.

So if we go with that... no! (But too early for A. Pi.)

In anticipation of @CPK's agreement: 😄 

(Really, the only question is when A. Pi as Caesar gets posted... when we get to him as Emperor, or under Hadrian.)

 

Aelius, Caesar 136-138 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 27.19 g, 30.6 mm, 7 h.
Rome, 137 CE.
Obv: L AELIVS CAESAR, bare head, right.
Rev: TR POT COS II, Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising skirt.
Refs: RIC 1055; BMCRE 1914; Cohen 56; RCV 3986; UCR 825.

 

 

     

 

[CPK]

10 minutes ago, Roman Collector said:

Oh, a question, @CPK -- is it too early for Aelius?

 

4 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said:

Suggestion: if the Caesar didn't become emperor, then he goes with the dude who named him Caesar. Otherwise we wait 'til the Caesar becomes Emperor.

So if we go with that... no! (But too early for A. Pi.)

In anticipation of @CPK's agreement: 😄 

(Really, the only question is when A. Pi as Caesar gets posted... when we get to him as Emperor, or under Hadrian.)

I think @Severus Alexander's suggestion makes the most sense - if the individual in question has a future "post" slot as Emperor, wait till then...otherwise, everyone else associated with the current Emperor is fair game.

 

[Octavius]

  Two denarii of Hadrian , one bare head (which I prefer) the other laurel wreathed.

Three sestertii...

Two dupondii - Salus and Virtus...

As with very nice portrait...

[Jims,Coins]

Bronze Coin (AE Dupondius) minted during the reign of HADRIAN between 117-138 A.D. HADRIANVS AVG.COS.III.P.P. Bare head right.Rev. ANNONA.AVG.SC Annona, draped, standing left, holding corn-ears in right hand over modius and rudder in left, resting on prow, right. Weight 8.43 grams, Diameter 24.43 mm. RICII #796a pg.441.

Silver coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome for AELIUS, as Caesar, in 137 A.D. Obv. L.AELIVS.CAESAR.: bare hd. r. Rev. TR.POT.COS.II.: Pietas stg. l., by altar, raising r. hand and laying l. on breast. RCS #1211. RSCII #53 pg.164. RICII #432 pg.392. DVM #5/3 pg.133. (Caesar. F+ slightly off-center but legends all there, small edge split obv. bottom/rev. top, pleasant light grey tone, nice strong portrait).

Silver coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome for SABINA, wife of HADRIAN, in 136 A.D. Obv. SABINA.AVGVSTA.: dr. and diad. bust r. Rev. VENERI.GENETRICI.: Venus stg. r., with r. hand drawing up robe on shoulder, in l. holding apple. RCS #1189. RSCII #73. RICII #396 pg.387. DVM #7. RCVSII #3924.

[DonnaML]

So many Hadrians! I think for now I'll just post some Imperials, in approximate chronological order (according to RIC II.3). Then I will separately  post some Provincials, probably tomorrow, mostly from Roman Alexandria but also from Cappadocia, Tarsus, etc.  

Write-ups omitted.

The Imperials were all minted in Rome, except for this first "Eastern denarius," minted in Antioch in Aug-Dec AD 117. An unusual portrait, depicting Trajan and Hadrian shaking hands on the reverse.

My one Hadrian Imperial bronze, a dupondius:

Plus my one Imperial Sabina:

And finally, my one Aelius Caesar:

Edited January 25, 2023 by DonnaML

[Severus Alexander]

@DonnaML: Which of those imperial Hadrians has your favourite portrait(s)? Which among them do you think has (or share) the best style?

[DonnaML]

20 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said:

@DonnaML: Which of those imperial Hadrians has your favourite portrait(s)? Which among them do you think has (or share) the best style?

You're asking me to choose among my children?? For the most part, I agree with @Octavius that the bareheaded portraits are more appealing than the laureate busts. I'm not exactly sure why. Anyway, the number I decided to buy primarily for the portrait rather than because I liked the reverse is probably zero or close to it.

Edited January 25, 2023 by DonnaML

[Severus Alexander]

1 hour ago, DonnaML said:

You're asking me to choose among my children??

Don't blame me, blame @CPK! 😄

On 1/2/2023 at 12:57 PM, CPK said:

2. The idea is to post your best/favorite portrait coin(s) of that emperor, with a short explanation for why you selected it.

4. Don't be intimidated if your "best" is not as good as others - the important thing is to post what appeals to you about the portrait. Not all great portraits need to be "mint state". (Goodness knows mine aren't!)

[DonnaML]

8 hours ago, Severus Alexander said:

Don't blame me, blame @CPK! 😄

Except almost nobody has been following those rules. Please don't just single me out. Let's not be sticklers all of a sudden! I don't want to choose just one or two. 

Edited January 25, 2023 by DonnaML

[shanxi]

Hadrian
AR Denar, Rome Mint, AD 119-125
Obv.: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate and draped bust to right
Rev.: P M TR P COS III PRO AVG, Providentia standing left holding sceptre, globe at her feet
Ag, 3.32g, 18mm
Ref.: RIC 133a

[Severus Alexander]

30 minutes ago, DonnaML said:

Except almost nobody has been following those rules. Don't just single me out. Let's not be sticklers all of a sudden! I don't want to choose just one or two. 

I think we started out keeping to the point and spirit of the thread, choosing our best/favourites, and many of us have continued in that vein... at least saying which are our favourites even when posting more than that. Personally I'd like to see that continue.  That said, there can be justified exceptions: collectors like @Octavius who focus on spectacular portraits probably need to post more than a few, and might also be excused from singling any out!

It seems to me the point of the thread is good portraits, not post all your coins of emperor x.   But perhaps others disagree.  Am I just being an annoying stickler, folks? 🥺😇

[Limes]

23 minutes ago, Severus Alexander said:

It seems to me the point of the thread is good portraits, not post all your coins of emperor x.   But perhaps others disagree.  Am I just being an annoying stickler, folks? 🥺😇

How about two favorites, and the runner up? 🙂

I chose this one, due to the lovely portrait of a younger Hadrian. I also find the reverse very appealing, by the way:

And this one due to its overall appeal (to me, at least):

A runner up, somehow I like the bare had portrait more. It seems the hair is more natural, than the 'toupee' above the laurel wreath.  

By the way, @Severus Alexander, returning to your portrait point, I think there is more variation in the portraits of Hadrian, for starters. There is some artistic merit hidden in the change of portraiture too; from a younger Hadrian, to a more fat Hadrian. I personally think some of the portraits are life like, while some are not. Especially some of the travel coins issues of 136 AD seem to be mass production, although my two shown here are an exception. 

I think the coins of @Octavius show my point best. Especially his first dupondius, with the Salus reverse, and the AE As with the Diana reverse, show terrific portraiture in my opinion!

Edit: the bronzes of Octavius remind me I really need to find a new sestertius/bronze of Hadrian. I recently sold my only sestertius of Hadrian, because I did not like the portrait 😄 

Edited January 25, 2023 by Limes

[Limes]

And of course I forget to post my only Aelius. Goes without saying this is "my favorite" portrait 🤣

[Julius Germanicus]

In keeping with the theme of this thread, here are my favoutite PORTRAITS on Sestertii of Hadrian and Aelius Caesar:

[mc9]

My contribution :

a somewhat young looking Hadrianus :

Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN H - ADRIANVS AVG. Laureate head right

Rev: P M TR P - COS III. Genius standing left with cornucopia and patera over altar

Denarius, Rome, RIC 88 p.351

a stern looking Sabina :

Obv. : SABINA AVGVSTA - HADRIANI AVG P P: draped bust right, with hair waved and wearing diadem

Rev. : CONCORDIA AVG :  Concordia seated left, holding patera and leaning left elbow on figure of Spes; cornucopia

under chair

Denarius, Rome,  RIC II 398 p.387

a mature looking Aelius :

Obv. : L AELIVS-  CAESAR, bare head of Aelius right

Rev. :TR POT - COS II, Concordia seated left, holding patera in her right hand and resting her left elbow on cornucopiae

set on the ground; CONCORD in exergue.

Denarius, Rome, RIC II 436 p.392

and a Drachm from Hadrianus :

Obv. : ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙC ΤΡΑΙΑΝ- [ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟC CEB] : Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right

Rev.: L IH Isis Pharia advancing right, her cloak billowing out behind her, holding a full sail; to right, detailed view of the

Pharos of Alexandria showing the statue of Poseidon at the top and two tritons

EGYPT, Alexandria ; year IH = 18 = 133-134 , RPC III 5895,  Drachm ( Bronze)

 

 

[Prieure de Sion]

Ok, here are my favorites ( @Severus Alexander ) Portraits of Hadrianus i prefer and like of my collection 😉 

 

  

 

Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 128/129 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 3.65g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 966, BMC 526 note, Cohen 1438; Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatics Winterthur Switzerland; Provenance: Ex Adrian Lang Collection; Obverse: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped, right, viewed from rear or side. The Inscription reads: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P for Hadrianus Augustus, Pater Patriae (Hadrian, Augustus, father of the nation); Reverse: Tranquillitas standing left, holding sceptre and resting arm on column. The Inscription reads: TRANQVILLITAS AVG COS III for Tranquillitas Augusti, Consul Tertium (Tranquility of the Augustuts, consul for the third time).

* The type with a full face and a very fine hooked nose *

 

 

 

Publius Aelius Hadrianus as Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 121/123 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 21mm; Weight: 3.42g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 595, BMCRE 199, RSC 1147b; Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatic London, Ex CNG Auctions; Obverse: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, draped, right, viewed from front. The Inscription reads: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG for Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus; Reverse: Pax seated left, holding Victory and branch. The Inscription reads: P M TR P COS III for Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium (High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time).

* The type strict face with clear straight lines. Also the nose like a straight line. The emperor seems to look sternly slightly upwards *

 

 

 

Publius Aelius Hadrianus as Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 125/127 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.34g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 789; Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatic London; Obverse: Head of Hadrian, laureate, right. The Inscription reads: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS for Hadrianus Augustus; Reverse: Neptune stepping on prow left, holding dolphin and trident. The Inscription reads: COS III for Consul Tertium (Consul for the third time).

* The classic type, a natural portrait, but idealised. The emperor has natural facial features - but they have been idealised. On the one hand, the face is naturally plump, but the muscles are depicted, etc. on the other *

 

 

 

Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 128/129 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 18mm; Weight: 3.10g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 919; Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatic London; Obverse: Head of Hadrian, laureate, right. The Inscription reads: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P for Hadrianus Augustus, Pater Patriae (Hadrian, Augustus, father of the nation); Reverse: Virtus seated right on cuirass and shield, holding spear and parazonium. The Inscription reads: COS III for Consul Tertium (Consul for the third time).

* The natural friendly type - the face and neck is plump, muscles and clear lines are barely visible, soft lines and facial features predominate *

 

 

 

Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus
Denarius of the Roman Imperial Period 117 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.45g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 79; Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatic London; Obverse: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right. The Inscription reads: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG for Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus; Reverse: Concordia seated left on throne, holding patera and resting on figure of Spes; cornucopia under throne. The Inscription reads: P M TR P COS DES II CONCORD for Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Designatus Secundum, Concordia (High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul elect for the second time, Harmony).

* The bust type - the emperor is seen as a standing bust. Interesting that this representation was issued directly at the time of the assumption of power in 117 AD. Perhaps the new emperor was to be deliberately elevated here. Rise up and take precedence over others? A bust like a deity? My favourite type of Hadrian *

 

 

 

Publius Aelius Hadrianus as Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus
Sestertius of the Roman Imperial Period 119/120 AD; Material: AE; Diameter: 34mm; Weight: 26.90g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC II, Part 3 (second edition) Hadrian 233; Provenance: Ex Dr. Gernot Heinrich Collection, Ex Solidus Numismatik Munich; Obverse: Bust of Hadrian, laureate, bare chest, traces of drapery on far shoulder usually visible, right. The Inscription reads: IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG for Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus; Reverse: Annona standing left, holding corn ears and cornucopia; at feet to left, modius, corn ears, and poppy; behind right, prow of ship. The Inscription reads: PONT MAX TR POT COS III / ANNONA AVG (in exergue) / S C (in field) for Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Annona Augusti. Senatus Consultum (High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. Imperial grain supply. Decree of the senate).

* And this portrait type is also one of my favourites - Greek classical idealised. A face like a Greek statue, the features fine and straight. And here the muscular chest, bursting with strength, still comes into its own *

 

 

 

Divus Hadrianus under Trajanus Decius
Antoninianus of the Roman Imperial Period 250/251 AD; Material: Silver; Diameter: 23mm; Weight: 3.61g; Mint: Rome; Reference: RIC IV Trajan Decius 88; Provenance: Ex Roma Collection London; Obverse: Head of Divus Hadrianus, radiate, right. The Inscription reads: DIVO HADRIANO for Divo Hadriano (To the divine Hadrinus); Reverse: Rectangular altar, with four panels in front, lighted. The Inscription reads: CONSECRATIO for Consecratio (Consecration).

* And lastly, the "this doesn't really have anything to do with Hadrian" portrait guy. I wonder - did they not know about 100 years later what Hadrian probably looked like - or why is this portrait so different from the originals? Or were the artists of the time just that much worse? Or! Or is this even the "real" Hadrianus without the ideal of beauty and comes even closer to the original than the portraits during his lifetime? *

 

 

Edited January 25, 2023 by Prieure de Sion

[CPK]

The idea behind the thread was to see your best (or favorite) portrait coins - you can have one favorite, or if you can't decide, a dozen favorites! 🙂 Either way, it's not a big deal and we get to see some amazing coins. 😉

Keep 'em coming, folks!

Edited January 25, 2023 by CPK