As Hadrian - Restitution of Achaea

HADRIAN. Æ As. Rome, circa 134-138 AD Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III PP Draped bust right Rev. RESTITVTORI ACHAIAE SC Hadrian, togate, standing left, holding scroll in his left hand and extending his right to raise up a draped figure of Achaea kneeling to right; between them, vase and palm branch. C. 1219 (8F) At the end of Hadrian’s reign he produced an extensive series of coins bearing personifications of the provinces of the Empire, either alone or with Hadrian as adventus or as restitutor. These commemorate his visits and benefactions and the complete group includes Achaia, Aegyptos, Africa, Alexandria, Asia, Gallia, Germania, Hispania, Italia, Macedonia and Nilus. The issues for Egypt (including Alexandria and Nilus) are the most extensive, very possibly because of the connection with Antinoos. The late date for these coins, Hill dates them all to 136, despite the fact that the trips took place much earlier in his reign, is probably to be associated with the festivities marking the 25th anniversary of his accession to the throne. Burgan mail bid sale 34, 20 July 1993