Hadrian, one of the “Five Good Emperors,” abandoned the expansionist policy of Trajan and established a policy of defense and consolidation during which Hadrian’s Wall in Britain was constructed. He traveled to nearly every province of the Empire, more than any other emperor, often ordering grandiose building programs to improve infrastructure and the quality of life in those regions. An ardent admirer of Greece, he sought to make Athens the cultural capital of the Empire and ordered the construction of many opulent temples in the city. He spent much of his time with the military; usually wore military attire and even dined and slept amongst the soldiers. He ordered military training and drilling to be more rigorous and made use of false reports of attack to keep the army alert. He suppressed the Bar Kokhba revolt in Judaea, renaming the province Syria Palaestina.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Bust of Hadrian, laureate, left, with bare chest and shoulders
Legend:
IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG
Reverse side
Jupiter seated left, holding Victory in right hand and sceptre in left
Legend:
PONT MAX TR POT COS III
A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.
