Heads or Tales: Hadrian

The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin produced during Hadrian’s reign.

As of Hadrian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)
 

At the beginning of Hadrian’s reign, there was rebellion and unrest in Roman Britain. In 122 CE, construction for a defensive wall began, known as Hadrian’s Wall. It ran across the width of the island from Tyne and Wear in the east to Cumbria in the west. This ended the previous policy of imperial expansion, as Hadrian chose to focus on defending existing borders such as in Britain instead.

As of Hadrian, obverse

Obverse:

The front of the coin shows Hadrian, facing right with a wreath of laurel leaves known as a laureate crown. He has a beard and was the first emperor since Nero to be shown with one.

Inscription:

Imperator Caesar Traianus Hadrianus Augustus,

This was his regnal name, used during his reign and thereafter.

As of Hadrian, reverse

Reverse:

The back of the coin depicts Fortuna Redux, a form of the goddess Fortuna, holding a rudder and cornucopia. The cornucopia represents abundance, and Fortune helps to steer the course of events with the rudder. Fortuna Redux specifically oversaw a return from a long and perilous journey, as highlighted by the rudder.

Inscription:

Pontifex Maximus, Tribunica Potestate, Consul III, S.C., Fortuna Redux.

Pontifex Maximus refers to the Republican role of chief high priest and it was the most important position in Roman religion. It became an imperial title and served as a reference to the religious aspect of the imperial duties. Tribunicia Potestate translates to tribune of the people, a role representing the common people in government. It is often followed by a number to indicate which term as Tribune the emperor was serving, but that is not present on this coin. Consul was the highest office under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Hadrian’s third time as consul. S.C. means Senatus Consultus and is commonly found on the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3^rd century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins which were issued under imperial authority, bronze coins were issued under the Senate’s authority.

Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next week's coin!