Sestertius of Hadrian at the Felicitas — Certificate of authenticity

COIN AVAILABLE — Large bronze (sestertius) of Hadrian (117–138 AD), minted in Rome and attributed to the period 134–138, with the reverse bearing the inscription FELICITAS AVG with S–C: a sought-after type for its “classical” elegance (Felicitas with the caduceus and cornucopia) and its perfect ideological legibility in late Antonine propaganda.

Analysis & Expertise
Careful observation under a 10x magnifying glass and raking light: examination of both sides reveals a bronze with a dark olive-green to brownish-black patina, generally stable, with slight warmer nuances on some reliefs and a rather smooth surface, punctuated by micro-irregularities consistent with early circulation. The flan exhibits a significant chip (material loss) around the edge, with a clear break visible on both sides (a margin defect). This is considered a flan or manufacturing defect, without calling into question the overall typological organization within the strict framework of what observation allows us to establish.

Obverse: The expected type is clearly legible: a laureate and draped bust facing right. The portrait's volumes remain well-defined (forehead, nose, mouth, and chin), with a laurel wreath legible in segments under raking light.
The circular legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P is partially legible around the edge, its readability being affected by wear, centering, and the flan defect; the whole remains consistent with the titulature associated with this issue.

Reverse: The reverse corresponds to the reference design: FELICITAS AVG, with Felicitas standing left, holding a caduceus and a cornucopia. S–C is placed in the field, a typical arrangement for senatorial bronzes.

Under magnification, the figure (drapery, posture, attributes) remains identifiable despite wear and the peripheral lacuna; the composition “FELICITAS + S–C + attributes (caduceus/cornucopia)” constitutes a particularly characteristic set of clues for the attribution.

Characteristics

Authority: Hadrian (117–138 AD).

Mint: Rome.

Dating: Issue attributed to 134–138 AD.

Denomination: Sestertius (Æ / orichalcum according to module usage).

Obverse: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, laureate and draped bust right.

Reverse: FELICITAS AVG, S–C, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia.

Weight: 27.01 g

Diameter: 30 mm

Reference (cross-referencing): RIC II 748; illustrated parallels and comparative notes: Numista, VCoins, auction archives.

Historical Context
The figure of Felicitas evokes the idea of prosperity, “public good fortune,” and stability, central themes in imperial monetary discourse. On large bronze coins, this iconography is designed to be immediately understood: the caduceus (harmony/peace conducive to trade) and cornucopia (fertility and wealth) compose a visual language of continuity and civic security, particularly relevant in the later phase of Hadrian's reign.

Cultural Value
For a collector, this sestertius offers several enduring appeals:

Large size and “museum-quality” iconography, highly legible even with wear.

Reverse: FELICITAS AVG with an immediately documentable message (clear attributes: caduceus and cornucopia).

This type is firmly established by existing corpus and easily comparable to numerous published examples, facilitating the creation of a rigorous numismatic dossier.

Traceability & Guarantees
In accordance with our practices, each example is examined, described, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity conforming to the standards of the art and heritage market. The study is conducted with meticulous observation under a 10x loupe and raking light, and is based on typological, stylistic, and metrological consistency, as well as comparison with references (RIC and documented parallels).
The coin is offered with a professional European provenance; the acquisition is part of a specialized international transaction, carried out within an established numismatic network and validated by expert appraisal, according to the practices applicable to heritage objects.

Secure Shipping
Careful, secure, and traceable shipping, with protective packaging, insurance, and signature confirmation depending on the destination (France/international). The exact details are confirmed at the time of order based on the delivery address.

Note: Any visible display elements (backdrops, stands, lighting) are for staging purposes only and are not included in the sale.

Ref: P22M8KMOP3