Ancient Rome - AD 117-138 Hadrian AV Aureus NGC Choice VF in Fine Style - only 3 traced-!

Rome Mint, struck in CE 119-122. Obverse around bust is stated IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG. A laureate, cuirassed bust of Hadrian faces right, viewed from front, cloak on far shoulder. Reverse P M T-R P COS III, Minerva standing left, facing olive tree and grasping branch with her right hand, holding scepter in her left, rabbit at her feet to left. RIC 70c. BMCRE 117. Cohen 1068. Calicó 1307 (S3). Extremely rare issue, as only three have been offered at auction in over a decade!

The Roman Empire in CE 125, during the reign of Hadrian.

A scarce and quite interesting reverse design presents Minerva reaching into an olive tree with a rabbit at its base. The rabbit may represent Hispania. This issue was struck during the rule of Hadrian, whose ancestors hailed from Hispania (Spain). Hadrian on the obverse is dressed for battle, as is Minerva.  Harold Mattingly, in RIC II, offers that this "beautiful aureus" represents Minerva in her "peace-giving aspect" and signifies the end of the Trajanic wars in the east and the restoration of the Pax Romana.