Hadrian Aureus Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Inspired by a gold aureus type of Hadrian struck at Rome around 124–125 AD
• Features the iconic she-wolf and twins reverse, showing the legendary Romulus and Remus from Rome’s foundation myth
• Strong appeal for collectors interested in Hadrian, Roman imperial gold types, and mythological reverse designs
• A silver strike of a gold aureus type, offering the famous design in a more accessible hand-struck format
• Combines imperial portraiture with one of the most recognizable symbols of Roman identity
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-struck methods in sterling silver
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors seeking a Hadrian aureus type with strong Roman foundation symbolism, imperial portraiture, and the famous she-wolf with Romulus and Remus reverse.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Hadrian aureus replica is hand-struck in sterling silver and inspired by a gold aureus type struck at Rome around 124–125 AD. The original issue belongs to Hadrian’s imperial gold coinage, but this reproduction presents the design as a silver strike for collectors who want the visual character of the type in a more accessible material.

The obverse shows the laureate head of Hadrian facing right, while the reverse depicts the she-wolf standing left and suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, one of the most enduring foundation images of Rome.

Each piece is individually struck by hand rather than cast, preserving the irregular flan, varied relief, and surface character associated with ancient coinage. Unlike machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, individuality, and visual character that make ancient-style coinage so distinctive.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Hadrian ruled from 117 to 138 AD and is remembered as one of the most important emperors of the Roman Empire.
• His reign emphasized consolidation, imperial travel, frontier organization, architectural patronage, and the strengthening of Roman identity across the provinces.
• The she-wolf and twins reverse refers to the legendary infancy of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome.
• By placing this foundation image on imperial gold coinage, the type connected Hadrian’s rule with the deepest symbolic origins of the Roman state.
• The reverse legend COS III refers to Hadrian’s third consulship, while the obverse legend HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS presents the emperor in formal imperial titulature.
• For collectors, this type is especially attractive because it combines Hadrian’s portrait, the prestige of the aureus denomination, and one of the most famous mythological images in Roman history.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– RIC II.3 709–710

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Hadrian aureus replica

Denomination represented: AV Aureus

Authority / Mint: Rome

Era represented: 124-125 AD

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 3-4 gr

Dimensions: approx. 19-21 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Head of Hadrian, laureate, right, with slight drapery on far shoulder
Legend:
HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS

Reverse: She-wolf standing left, suckling the twins Romulus and Remus
Legend:
COS // III (in exergue)

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, centering, and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related Hadrian and Roman imperial coin pages:

• See the Hadrian Salus denarius replica
• See another silver strike of a gold imperial coin type
• View ancient Roman coin replicas