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Union University

Ryan Center for Biblical Studies

Roger Uselton Collection of Ancient and Biblical Coins

Coin Detail

  • Uselton Catalog #: 24
  • Class: Roman Imperatorial & Imperial
  • Ruling Authority: Hadrian (117-138 A.D.)
  • Date Struck: ca. 134-138 A.D.
  • Type: AE (bronze) As
  • Size: 24.42 mm.
  • Weight: 9.32 g.
  • Die Axis: 180°
  • Obverse: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, Laureate head right.
  • Reverse: FORTVNAE REDVCI, “To Fortune, who leads one back [home]”; Hadrian, standing right, holding globe and Fortuna standing left, holding cornucopiae and rudder on globe, clasping hands.
  • Exergue: SC
  • References: RIC 814
  • Original #: 10

Fortuna “Return to Us Safe and Victorious.” Cf. Sear 3686 (holding roll). Between 117-134 A.D., Hadrian traveled extensively to the far-flung Roman provinces. This coin was probably struck to celebrate his safe return sometime after 134, all due to the goddess Fortune, who safely led him back to Rome.