Bronze quadrans of Hadrian (AD 117–138), struck at the mint of Rome around AD 120–123, belonging to the small bronze denominations circulating within the monetary system of the Roman Empire during the first half of the 2nd century AD.
The reverse depicts a stylized thunderbolt accompanied by the mark SC (Senatus Consulto), indicating the formal role of the Senate in authorizing the issue of base-metal coinage within the imperial monetary system. The surrounding legend P M TR P COS III refers to Hadrian’s official titulature, including his office as Pontifex Maximus, the holding of tribunician power, and his third consulship, elements which provide one of the key criteria for dating this issue to the early years of his reign.
Roman Imperial
Hadrian (117-138), Quadrans 120-123, Rome mint
Obverse: eagle standing on thunderbolt right, head left
IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG
Reverse: thunderbolt SC below
P M TR P COS III
Diameter 19 mm, weight 3.27 g
