Publius Aelius Traianus Hadrianus was the third of the five good emperors. Besides ruling the Roman Empire from 117 till 138 AD Hadrian was a Stoic and Epicurean philosopher. He was also an affiliate of the gens Aelia. The starting point of his reign was faltering, the middle of his rule was glorious and the end was tragic.

Coins issued during his reign included several denominations, and namely: bronze drachm[²⁹], silver tetradrachm[³⁰] bronze sestertius and silver denarius[³²]. Some examples of these Roman coins are characterized below.

Denarius (AD 118)

This ancient Roman coin was issued in 118 AD. Its obverse[¹⁰⁸⁴] features the head of Hadrian laureate. There's a drapery on the left shoulder. The image is surrounded by the legend[¹⁰⁴⁵] IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG. The reverse[¹¹³⁹] of this Roman coin depicts Pieta veiled. She is illustrated standing and raising her right hand. Across the field there's PIETA and the entire image is surrounded by the legend P M TR POT COS II.

Detailed description of the coin:

The coin's obverse features the head of Hadrian bearded. He is shown wearing a laurel crown. It is worth mentioning that the beard was a usual feature of Hadrian's portrait and it has not been seen before as a usual coin type. Both Augustus and Nero had been illustrated with a small beard, but such images were made only on occasion of public mourning. According to Cassius Dio, a historian, Hadrian was "the first emperor who allowed his beard to grow." The image of the Roman emperor on this Roman coin is encircled by the legend that states IMPerator CAESAR TRAIANus HADRIANVS AVGustus.

The reverse of the Roman coin depicts goddess of Pietas. She is shown standing veiled and lifting her right hand in prayer. It is interesting to note that Pietas was a goddess who played an important role in the daily life of Roman people. This is because besides representing the worship and respect offered to the gods, she was also the symbol of love and charity bestowed to children, parents, friends and neighbors.

Pietas could also symbolize love and charity given by the Roman emperor to the people of the state. Through her image on this denarius, Hadrian expresses his respect to the people and promotes the piety which Roman citizens must bestow upon the emperor. The whole scene on the reverse is encircled by the legend that states Pontifex Maximus TRibunicia POTestate COnSul II.

Sestertius (AD 119 to 121)

The obverse of this coin shows the head of Hadrian laureate, surrounded by the legend that states IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG P M TR P COS III. The reverse of this Roman coin depicts Libertas seated. She holds a branch in her right hand while her left hand holds a scepter. The scene is surrounded by the legend that states LIBERTAS PVBLICA; S C in exergue.

Detailed description of the coin:

The image of Libertas found on this ancient Roman coin issued during the reign of Hadrian refers to emperor's concern to allow Roman people the freedom to express themselves within the boarders of his rule. The coin's obverse illustrates Hadrian wearing the laurel crown. The entire scene is surrounded by the legend IMPerator CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVGustus Pontifex Maximus TRibunicia Potestas COnSul III. The reverse of the Roman coin features Libertas, who holds a branch in the right hand and a scepter in the left. LIBERTAS PVBLICA is the legend found on the reverse and it means "The freedom of the people." There's Senatus Consulto found below.

Denarius (AD 134 to 138)

The obverse of this Roman coin includes the head of Hadrian surrounded by the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. The coin's reverse shows Fides standing with a corn earn in the right hand and a fruit basket in the left. The scene is surrounded by the legend FIDES PVBLICA.

Detailed description of the coin:

The obverse of this Roman denarius illustrates the head of Hadrian bare. The image is surrounded by the legend that reads HADRIANVS AVGustus COnSul III Pater Patriae. The reverse of the coin illustrates Fides standing with corn ears and a fruit basket in her hands. The two symbolize prosperity. The words FIDES PVBLICA from Latin are translated as "the loyalty (or faith) of the people." The idea of this Roman coin is to outline that faith and trust of Roman citizens in their emperor will give them prosperity.

Sestertius (AD 134 to 138)

The obverse of this coin illustrates the head of Hadrian laureate, surrounded by the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. The reverse of this Roman coin depicts Justitia seated. She holds a patera in her right hand and a scepter in the left. The scene is surrounded by the legend that states IVSTITIA AVG. There's S C below.

Detailed description of the coin:

The Roman Emperor Hadrian is depicted on the Roman coin's obverse wearing the laurel crown. The image is surrounded by the legend HADRIANVS AVGustus COnSul III Pater Patriae. The coin's reverse illustrates Justitia seated. She holds a patera and a scepter.

The goddess is show together with the legend IVSTITIA AVGusti, meaning "The Justice of Augustus." There's Senatus Consulto below. It's worth mentioning that Justice was the quality that gives suum cuique, or "to each his own." On this Roman coin Justice symbolizes the idea of Hadrian's rule, which is just in its dealings with the Rome's affairs. One of such dealings was the minimization of the cruel slave treatment performed by their masters. Another one was Hadrian's appointment of the circuit judges that would take under control the court cases all over the empire.