Silver denarius of Hadrian (AD 117–138), struck at the Rome mint in AD 134–138, belongs to issues from the final phase of his reign, during which imperial coinage consistently emphasized themes of the emperor’s return, the stability of the state, and divine protection over his person.
The obverse presents a head of the emperor facing right with the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, reflecting his official titulature, including his third consulship and the title Pater Patriae. This combination of titles is characteristic of the later emissions of the Rome mint and serves as a key chronological indicator for dating these coins to the closing years of Hadrian’s reign.
The reverse depicts the emperor standing left, clasping hands with Fortuna, with the legend FORTVNAE REDVCI. This type refers to the concept of Fortuna Redux, the goddess who ensures the safe return of the ruler from his journeys. The motif is well attested in Roman coinage and is closely associated with official vows made for the emperor’s safe return to Rome. The gesture of handclasp (dextrarum iunctio) symbolically represents the meeting between the emperor and the personification of fate, emphasizing his successful return and the favor of divine forces.
Roman Imperial
Hadrian (117-138), Denarius 134-138, Rome mint
Obverse: bare head right
HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP
Reverse: Hadrian standing right, clasping hands with Fortuna
FORTVNAE REDVCI
Diameter 18 mm, weight 2.85 g
