Titles of Hadrian
Emperors had an array of titles and names bestowed upon them, sometimes just because they were the imperial successor, sometimes to celebrate victories. They would use them often to communicate their power. These titles could change from time to time, and it was even possible to be honored with a title after death.
Here we see that Hadrian’s name is still visible on the coin, but the rest of the titles are not so readable. In this case the minting of the coin was not very accurate, that is why the inscription and decorative ring is only partially visible. It should have read: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P (Hadrianus Augustus Consul III Pater Patriae).
The title Augustus referred to Hadrian’s emperorship. This title is one you will encounter very often on Roman Imperial coins. The combination consul III indicates his third consulship, and is often used by scholars to date the coin. For example, we can use this title to calculate that this coin must have been struck after the year 119 CE when this office was bestowed upon him.