Roman Denarius Coin

Inv. No.: c097
Date: A.D. 134-138.
Weight: 3.46g
 
Obv.: Hadrian, bareheaded.
HADRIANVS AVG.COS.III P.P.

Rev.: Salus (Health) standing, feeding a snake from a patera (bowl), which she holds in her extended hand. The snake raises itself on its tail from an altar.
SALVS AVG.

The reverse indicates that the Emperor was suffering from an illness, because of which sacred rites had apparently been performed for his recovery. This was Hadrian last issue: he died 10 July, 138, with a whimsical address to his restless soul.

Presented by Associate Professor Dorothy Watts.

Comparanda:
RIC, Hadrian 267.