Lot 2197

Description

Hadrian, (A.D. 117-138), AE as, Rome mint, obv. laureate head of hadrian to right, around IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS [HADRIANVS AVG], rev. BRITANNIA in exergue, around traces of PONT MAX TR POT COS III, SC across field, Britannia seated facing, holding spear and with shield at her side, (RIC 577a, C.197, S.1134 Ã…â€Å‣400). Very good and very rare.

The very rare and most interesting type with the first representation of Britannia on a Roman coin. Rarely found in a decent condition, this is about average. The issue was according to Stevenson, records Hadrian's visit to Britain in 121 A.D., and the subsequent building of his famous wall.