ROMAN/Hadrian CE 117-138, Ex: Mehl

AR Denarius, 3.36 g, 17 mm, 6h, Rome mint, c. CE 134-138 (Sear says CE 135)

RIC 282

RSC 1455

BMCRE 761

O: Laur hd r, HADRIANVS—AVG COS III PP

R: Victory/Nemesis adv r drawing out fold of drapery from her neck with her right hand and pointing downwards with olive branch held in left hand, VICTO—RIAA—VG

 

Ex: B. Max Mehl 1884-1957 with his envelope as depicted. The typed description just says
“Hadrian/117-138/Denarius”.

                                                                 B. Max Mehl

It is thought that this depiction of Victory/Nemesis commemorates the conclusion of the Bar Kokhba rebellion in Judea. It appears to recognize that this victory was a hard fought one as the olive branch is not being held aloft but downwards towards the ground.