Cistophorus - Hadrian
Features
| Issuer |
Smyrna
(Conventus of Smyrna)  |
|---|---|
| Emperor |
Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus) (117-138)
|
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
| Years | 128-138 |
| Value | Cistophorus (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 11 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Number | N# 375746 |
| References | RPC Online III# 1359 Roman Provincial Coinage (https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/) , Metcalf# 30David Michael Metcalf. Thrymsas and Sceattas in the Ashmolean Museum Oxford. Royal Numismatic Society, London, United Kingdom (3 volumes). , RIC II# 499 Harold Mattingly, Edward Allen Sydenham; 1926. The Roman Imperial Coinage / Volume 2. Vespasian to Hadrian. Spink & Son, London, United Kingdom. |
Obverse
Bare head of Emperor Hadrian facing right.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P
Unabridged legend: Hadrianus Augustus Pater Patriae
Translation: Emperor Hadrian, father of the country.
Reverse
God Jupiter seated left, holding statuette of goddess Victory in right hand and long scepter in left hand. Eagle with open wings facing left, looking right, standing at the feet of Jupiter.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS III
Unabridged legend: Consul tertius.
Translation: Consul for the third time.
Mint
Smyrna, Ionia, modern-day İzmir, TurkeyComments
The variety of types and the obvious interest taken in the representation of the old "xoana" of the province seem to suggest inspiration from above, possibly even from the emperor himself. It is well known that the emperor traveled extensively and twice visited Asia Minor. The title of "Pater Patriae" accepted by him in AD 128 appears on the bulk of his cistophori, and it is conceivable therefore that Hadrian on his second voyage in AD 129, impressed by the antiquities of the places he visited, fascinated as was his nature by all that was mysterious, local, and primitive, himself took the initiative in the institution of this coinage.
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| Date | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undetermined | |||||||||||||||
| ND (128-138) | |||||||||||||||
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Numista Rarity index: 97
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.
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