Hadrian – Sestertius “exercitvs Mavretanicvs” (a.d. 134–138) — With Certificate Of Authenticity

Magnificent sestertius in orichalcum, struck in Rome between A.D. 134 and 138, measuring 32 mm in diameter and weighing 23.06 g.
The obverse bears the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, framing a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust facing right, engraved in a firm and elegant Roman style typical of the late issues of Hadrian’s reign.
The reverse, inscribed EXERCITVS MAVRETANICVS / S C, depicts Hadrian on horseback, turning right and raising his hand in a gesture of adlocutio, addressing three soldiers standing before him — the first two holding standards, the third a spear. The composition, encircled by a complete and well-centered beaded border, displays an exceptional narrative clarity and a crisp, energetic strike.

The coin retains a superb ancient patina, two-toned dark brown and brass-gold, enhancing the strength of the relief and the legibility of details. The soft, even wear on the high points — crown, horse, and faces — confirms authentic ancient circulation. The perfect centering, well-preserved legends, and firm portrait relief make this a strikingly balanced and well-preserved Roman sestertius.

• Emperor: Hadrian (A.D. 117–138)

• Mint: Rome

• Date: A.D. 134–138

• Denomination / Metal: Sestertius, orichalcum (copper–zinc alloy)

• Size / Weight: 32 mm / 23.06 g

• Obverse: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P — laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right

• Reverse: EXERCITVS MAVRETANICVS — Hadrian on horseback addressing three soldiers; S C in field

• References: RIC 924; BMCRE 1681

• Provenance: Private collection, accompanied by certificate of authenticity

• Authenticity: Certificate of authenticity provided

• Sale: International specialized transaction, conducted within a recognized numismatic network and validated by leading experts, in accordance with the highest standards of the art and heritage market

Under Hadrian, the EXERCITVS coin series honored the provincial armies of the Empire — Britannicus, Germanicus, Dacicus, and here Mavretanîcus, referring to the Mauretanian army of North Africa.
These issues, deeply propagandistic in nature, exalted the discipline, loyalty, and organization of the legions while emphasizing the emperor’s personal presence among his troops.
The reverse scene, depicting the emperor in adlocutio on horseback, is a masterful emblem of military piety and imperial virtue: the prince is shown not as a distant ruler but as a leader in communion with his soldiers, symbol of Rome’s unity and strength.

• Style and Typology: Roman mint engraving of full Hadrianic style; strong yet refined portrait; titulature and composition consistent with official dies from the 134–138 period.

• Metrology: 23.06 g for 32 mm — within the exact parameters of official sestertii of Hadrian.

• Fabric: Stable ancient patina (dark brown with brass highlights); fine granulation; no signs of recasting or modern tooling; micro-deposits in recesses; natural surface harmony.

• Strike and Centering: Well-centered strike with complete legends; open fields; crisp beaded border; minor flan vibration typical of ancient striking by hand hammer.

• Authenticity: Perfect stylistic, metrological, and physical concordance — a textbook specimen of the official Roman mint during the late Hadrianic era.

This sestertius of Hadrian stands among the most emblematic issues of the reign, combining historical documentation, artistic refinement, and imperial propaganda.
Its vivid portrait, its military iconography of exceptional clarity, and its museum-grade patina make it an outstanding artifact for collectors and institutions alike.
Beyond numismatics, this coin embodies the ideal of the philosopher-emperor, the union of intellect and authority, and serves as a tangible monument of Roman power, virtue, and craftsmanship — a piece where art meets history in bronze.