Ancients: Hadrian (AD 117-138). AV aureus (19mm, 7.35 gm, 6h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style....

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Founding of Rome Myth

Hadrian (AD 117-138). AV aureus (19mm, 7.35 gm, 6h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 124-125. HADRIANVS-AVGVST, laureate bust of Hadrian right, slight drapery on far shoulder / COS, she-wolf standing left, suckling twins Romulus and Remus below; barred III in exergue. Calicó 1236 corr. (bust type). RIC II.3 708. The first time Heritage is offering a Choice Mint State Hadrian aureus. A remarkable coin, especially considering the high-relief details on both sides. Extremely rare, with an interesting obverse legend and an immensely popular reverse design.

From the Mirabilis Collection. Ex Pinewood Collection (Roma Numismatics, Auction XXIII, 24 March 2022), lot 964.

This reverse evokes the Founding of Rome Myth. Romulus and Remus were twins and children of Rhea Silvia, a Vestal Virgin, who was impregnated by Mars while she slept. Her uncle, King Amulius feared they would threaten his reign and ordered their deaths. In order to protect her babies from him, Silvia hid her children in a basket and placed them in the Tiber river, hoping fate would guide them to safety. With the help of the river god Tiberinus, the baby boys wound up at the future sight of Rome and they were found by the she-wolf. She nursed them and raised them for a time until they were adopted by a shepherd, Faustulus. The image of Romulus and Remus with the she-wolf became an icon of Rome; it was continuously depicted in art throughout the years of the Empire and into modern times.

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