Ave!

Hadrian, As, Salus reverse, Spectacular!

Æ 27mm/11.5gm    Rome mint ca,  C. 125-128 AD

Con/ A magnificent example of this issue with a natural and glossy dark green patina; sharply struck, well centered with complete legends and an elegant image of Salus. A few minimal earthen inclusions, otherwise, Good Very Fine. Even better in hand!

Obv/ HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder.

Rev/ SALVS AVGVSTI = To the health of the Emperor; Salus standing slightly left, from patera in right hand, feeding snake entwined around and raising up from altar at feet on left, scepter in left hand, S-C, COS III in exergue

Ref/ RIC Vol II, 678

Seller's Note/ Salus was the Roman goddess of health. She was Hygieia to the Greeks, who believed her to be the daughter of Aesculapius, the god of medicine and healing, and Epione, the goddess of soothing of pain. Her father Asclepius learned the secrets of keeping death at bay after observing one snake bringing another snake healing herbs. Woman seeking fertility, the sick, and the injured slept in chambers of her temples, where non-poisonous snakes were left to crawl on the floor and provide healing.