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                                Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 1596. Closing Date: Jun 08, 
                                2005. HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. AE Sestertius (27.46 
                                gm, 6h). Struck circa 134-138 AD. Bidding Closed 
                                Estimate $3000 

                              HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. AE Sestertius (27.46 gm, 6h). 
                              Struck circa 134-138 AD. Laureate and draped bust 
                              right / DISCIPLINA AVG in exergue, Hadrian 
                              advancing right, holding roll, followed by three 
                              soldiers carrying standards and an officer holding 
                              a staff. RIC II 746; BMCRE 1487; Cohen 542. VF, 
                              dark brown patina with traces of red, minor 
                              smoothing in fields. Very rare. ($3000)

                              The discussion in RIC notes that this reverse type 
                              "celebrates the military reforms of the Emperor", 
                              without defining what specific event triggered the 
                              commemoration on this sestertius. It is most 
                              likely related to the conclusion of the last great 
                              military campaign of Hadrian's reign, the Bar 
                              Kochba revolt in Judaea (132-135 AD). As an 
                              internal revolt, not an operation against foreign 
                              foes, the war did not warrant a coinage 
                              commemorating its end, but this coin would 
                              indirectly mark its conclusion, praising the 
                              legions for their steadfastness while stressing 
                              the re-ordering of the armies for peacetime and 
                              the standing down from a war footing.


High bid of $6200, $7130 including 15% buyers fee, or approximately €5022, £3410, C$7750, A$8060, on June 8, 2005.

Used by permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com