Hadrian – As – Galley

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Obverse Description:

HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP – Hadrianus laureate head righ

Obverse Translation:

HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP – Hadrianus laureate head righ

Reverse Description:

COS. III. S.C., galley navigation, on the right, with rowers and helmsman; acrostolio, stern; mast and sail, go ahead.

Reverse Translation:

Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum – Consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.

Ruler:

Coinage:

,

Minted:

Year 117-138 AD

Rome

Denomination / Metal:

As

Copper

Diameter / Weight:

25 mm

10.23 gr

Catalogue:

RIC 673, Cohen 446, BMC 1342

Observations:

If you are looking for the “Soul of a Coin” that perfectly captures the personality of Rome’s most restless ruler, this Hadrian “Galley” As (RIC II.3 2341 / RIC 674) is your vessel. Struck around AD 134–138, this bronze piece is more than just currency; it is a commemorative snapshot of an Emperor who spent more time on the road (and at sea) than any other leader in Roman history.

At Numiscurio, we often say that Hadrian didn’t just rule the Empire; he curated it. This coin is the ultimate “travel souvenir” of the man who built the Wall, rebuilt the Pantheon, and fell in love with the world.

1. The Historical Context: The Imperial Wanderlust

Unlike his predecessor Trajan, who expanded the Empire through blood and conquest, Hadrian was a man of peace and administration. He believed the Empire should be a unified, cultured commonwealth. To ensure this, he spent roughly half of his 21-year reign traveling through the provinces—from the foggy hills of Britain to the sun-scorched deserts of Egypt.

This As was minted toward the end of his reign, reflecting on his life’s work. The image of the galley was a powerful piece of “real-time” propaganda. It told the citizens in Rome: “Your Emperor is not sitting in a palace; he is on the deck of a ship, personally inspecting the frontiers and ensuring your safety.”

2. The Reverse: The Ship of State

The reverse features a Galley (warship) moving left, with a row of oars and a pilot at the stern.

  • The Symbolism: The galley represented the Classis Romana (the Roman Navy), which kept the Mediterranean—the Mare Nostrum—safe from pirates and rebels.
  • The Legend: COS III (Consul for the 3rd time). While simple, this title reminds the viewer of Hadrian’s civil authority.
  • The S C: As a bronze As, it carries the large S C (Senatus Consulto), reminding the public that even while the Emperor was away in Athens or Alexandria, the Senate in Rome still stood watch over the treasury.

3. The Obverse: The “Graeculus” (The Little Greek)

The obverse features the laureate head of Hadrian, looking remarkably dignified and—most importantly—bearded.

  • The Beard: Hadrian was the first Emperor to wear a full, thick beard. Before him, Roman leaders were clean-shaven in the “military” style. Hadrian’s beard was a statement of his love for Greek philosophy and culture. He was mocked by some as a “Little Greek,” but he started a fashion trend that lasted for over 150 years.
  • The Legend: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P. This identifies him as Augustus, Father of the Country (Pater Patriae), and 3-time Consul.

4. Technical Details: The “Travel Series”

  • RIC II 673: The primary reference from Roman Imperial Coinage.
  • Cohen 446: Named after Henry Cohen, the 19th-century cataloger whose work is still a staple for European collectors.
  • BMC 1342: Refers to the British Museum Catalogue, arguably the most prestigious pedigree a coin type can have.
  • Metal: Pure Copper.
  • The “Style”: Hadrianic coinage is famous for its high artistic quality. The engravers at the Rome mint during this period were masters of “fine-line” work—on high-grade specimens, you can often see individual oars and even the tiny figure of the steersman at the helm.