This aureus of Hadrian was pierced twice in antiquity, likely so it could be suspended, worn, or carried by its original owner nearly two thousand years ago. Rather than concealing those marks, the setting embraces them. The ancient openings have been carefully adapted into twin gold jump rings, allowing the pendant to hang naturally from its chain while preserving evidence of its long human journey. Struck in solid gold at Rome between AD 121–123, the coin pairs Hadrian’s composed imperial portrait with Hercules seated among captured arms: a meditation on endurance, strength, and the burdens of power.
The History
This pendant features a genuine gold aureus struck at Rome between AD 121–123, under Emperor Hadrian. The obverse bears his laureate portrait, while the reverse shows Hercules seated on a pile of arms with his club and distaff—symbols of strength and perseverance. Two ancient piercings, made centuries ago for devotional use, have been reimagined into twin gold jump rings, allowing the coin to hang seamlessly from its solid gold chain.
Coin Details
Emperor: Hadrian (AD 117–138)
Type: AV (gold) aureus
Mint: Rome
Date: Struck AD 121–123
Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right
Reverse: Hercules seated left on pile of arms, holding club and distaff
Modifications: Two ancient piercings, now adapted into twin gold jump rings
Metal: Solid gold
What's Included
Hand-set Hadrian aureus in 18k gold with twin jump ring setting
Solid 14k gold chain (18, 20, or 24 inches)
Certificate of authenticity and coin history
Velvet-lined presentation box
Polishing cloth
Free insured worldwide shipping
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the highest tier of our work — rare coins and artifacts elevated in solid 18k gold settings, often accented with gemstones. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, crafted entirely by hand to preserve the individuality of the ancient object while presenting it as fine jewelry.
These are not just pendants but heirlooms: timeless works of history and craftsmanship designed to be worn for a lifetime and passed down for generations. Only select pieces are designated as part of the Collection, chosen for their beauty, rarity, and enduring significance
Hadrian Aureus
$6,750.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
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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.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
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.
