Hadrian AD 117-138. Æ Dupondius (28mm, 15.27 g.) Uncertain mint, struck circa AD 130-138. Obv. Radiate head right, slightly draped. Rev. Fortuna standing left, holding patera and cornucopia. RIC unlisted, unpublished. Nice VF+, portrait better. Dark green patina. The style of this type appears to be more eastern, and the altered reverse legend (FORTVNEA rather than FORTVNAE REDVCI) points toward an imitative mistake. Also note the retrograde G in the obverse AVGVSTVS legend, a ridiculous error on the part of the die engraver. Either way, the appearance it is quite similar to the official Rome product, although not an exact match it is among the finest we have ever seen. Unique and interesting ancient imitation of excellent style, strike and metal.(15.27 gm.) |