Struck nearly 1,900 years ago, this authentic silver denarius was minted during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (AD 117–138)—the philosopher-emperor renowned for his love of travel, architecture, and ideas.
The reverse depicts Egypt personified: a reclining female figure beside a serpent-wrapped basket, holding a sistrum (ritual rattle), with an ibis at her feet. Together, these are potent emblems of rebirth, fertility, and divine wisdom drawn from the Egyptian pantheon. The obverse presents Hadrian’s portrait with the legend HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, projecting imperial authority and stability.
The coin is hand-set in a custom 22k gold bezel, shaped and polished entirely by hand to highlight the coin’s contours while offering a rich, heirloom frame. It hangs beautifully on a chain, balancing delicacy with the weight of history.
The History
Hadrian’s reign marked one of the most stable and prosperous periods of the Roman Empire. Unlike many predecessors, he prioritized consolidation over conquest, investing instead in architecture, philosophy, and cultural integration. His extensive travels across the provinces are reflected in coin types like this one, which honored local traditions and deities while tying them into Rome’s imperial narrative.
Egypt was central to Rome’s prosperity, supplying grain and embodying ancient wisdom. By placing its symbols on Roman coinage, Hadrian celebrated both the empire’s diversity and its unity under Roman governance. The imagery of the reclining figure, serpent, and ibis spoke to themes of fertility, rebirth, and divine favor—messages that resonated as much politically as spiritually.
Coin Details
Issuer: Hadrian (AD 117–138)
Type: Silver denarius
Mint: Rome
Obverse: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P – laureate head of Hadrian right
Reverse: Egypt personified, reclining with sistrum and basket; serpent and ibis at her side
Diameter: ~19 mm
Metal: Ancient silver
What's Included
Hand-set silver denarius in solid 22k gold bezel
Matching 14k gold chain (18, 20, or 24 inches)
Certificate of authenticity & coin history
Velvet-lined presentation box
Polishing cloth
Free insured worldwide shipping
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
Hadrian & Egypt – Silver Denarius in 22k Gold
14k Gold
$2,600.00
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
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Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
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What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
