Dupondius Hadrian - Pietas, stork

HADRIAN. Æ Dupondius. Rome, 134-138 AD. Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P Bare headed and draped bust right Rev. PIETAS AVG SC Pietas standing left, extending hands before lighted and garlanded altar; behind, stork standing right. RIC 822; C. 1033v (draped bust) Very scarce (none in coinarchive). Pietas was the Roman attitude of dutiful respect towards the gods, fatherland, parents and other kinsmen. The term incorporated a sense of moral duty, not merely the observance of rituals (this is covered by the term cultus). Thus, pietas required the maintenance of relationships with those listed above in a moral and dutiful manner[15]. According to Cicero, “pietas is justice towards the gods,” [16] and as such demanded more of the observer than mere sacrifice and correct ritual performance, but also the inner devotion and righteousness of the individual. This type shows Pietas accompanied by a stork, which, by its faithfulness and care to its youngs, was a symbol of filial piety. Found in UK, County of Norfolk.