EGYPT. Alexandria. Hadrian (AD 117-138). AE drachm (34mm, 11h). NGC Choice XF. Dated Regnal Year 21 (AD 136/7). AVT KAIC TPAIAN AΔPIANOC CEB, laureate and draped bust of Hadrian right / Nilus reclining left on hippopotamus, cradling reed in left arm, cornucopia from which emerges a Genius in right; IϚ (16 cubits) in central field, L ΔωΔЄK (date) in exergue. Emmett 1015. Although the regnal year is typically found in the fields on the reverse for Roman Egyptian coinage, on this issue the numeral in the central field represents 16 cubits on the Nilometer - the gauge which measured the annual flood crest of the Nile. Sixteen was the ideal level for agriculture in the Nile valley, whereas lower brought the danger of drought conditions, and much higher posed the possibility of damaging floods.
HID09801242017
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Price realized | 260 USD |
Starting price | 1 USD |
Estimate | 100 USD |