71, Lot: 141. HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. AR Denarius 
17mm, 3.29 gm). Struck 134-138. Estimate $75. 
Sold for $78. 

HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.29 
gm). Struck 134-138. Bare head right / Africa 
reclining left, holding scorpion and 
cornucopiae; basket containing grain ears and 
fruit behind at feet. RIC II 299; RSC 138. Toned 
VF.
This denarius commemorates Hadrian's second tour 
of Africa. Since much of Rome's power was 
concentrated along the seacoast, and as the 
fontier's borders were often shifting, it was to 
ensure the continued stability of this vital 
region that Hadrian made his visit there.
From CNG e-Auction #71, closed August 20, 2003; re-used By permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.