Congratulations on acquiring a great coin
okidoki. I notice
Hadrian looks noticeably thinner than he does on issues of the
Rome mint. This makes me wonder why, if coin
portraits were always cut from official busts sent out for that purpose, why would this
portrait show a
man with a thinner
face?
Hadrian was known for touring the Empire. In those days a
man on tour could be expected to lose
weight, from the effort involved or from coming into contact with unfamiliar viruses. So could this
portrait have been done by a die cutter who saw the Emperor in person?
That would make your coin sort of like an ancient press photo.
Best regards,
Steve