EGYPT, Alexandria. Aelius
year 2, CE 137
diobol, 24.5 mm, 11.5 gm
Obv: ΛA IΛ IOCKAICAP, bare head right
Rev: ΔHMEΞOVC VΠAT B, Homonoia standing left, holding patera and corn
Ref: Emmett 1353(2) R2
from First Light Coins at ANA World's Fair of Money, Chicago 2014
Translation of legend abbreviations:
Λ(OVKIOC) A IΛIOC KAICAP
Lucius Aelius Caesar
Born Lucius Ceionius Commodus, this son of a political family seemed destined for high office.
Hadrian adopted him to seal the succession. Aelius was not Hadrian's original choice. Lucius Julius Ursus Servianus, a well-established politico, was Hadrian's unofficial successor for many years but was too old by the time Hadrian's life neared its end. Instead, Hadrian groomed Servianus's grandson for the role.
However, in late CE 136 he changed his mind and adopted Aelius. The adoption was unpopular and Hadrian's reasons unclear.
Aelius never reached his political destiny. He fell ill on December 31, 137 and died the next day, possibly of a brain hemorrhage.