Coin showing even wear with an attractive green patina.

A very fine collector’s example.

Hadrian, AD 117–138 – Sestertius – Rome, ca. AD 129–130 – Orichalcum.

Obverse: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS  - Bare head and draped bust of Hadrian right, seen from behind.

Reverse: IVSTITIA AVG P P / S – C / COS III — Justitia seated left on a throne, holding a patera in her right hand in a gesture of offering, and a vertical scepter in her left hand.

Orichalcum (from Latin orichalcum) is a copper–zinc alloy, similar to brass, used by the Romans from the time of Augustus for the higher bronze denominations (sestertius, dupondius). Its naturally golden sheen evoked that of gold, giving these coins both symbolic and visual prestige.

Modern analyses have shown that ancient orichalcum typically contained 20–30% zinc, a proportion that gradually decreased over time due to repeated metal recycling. The alloy is sensitive to dezincification, and over the centuries it often lost its original golden tone, developing instead a yellow-brown or green patina.

References: Cohen 895; Sear 3605.