Classical Numismatic Group, LLC - Triton XXVII - Session 2 . 521
Roman Provincial
Category
EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 27.15 g, 12h). Dated RY 13 (AD 128/9). AVT KAI TPAI AΔPIA CЄB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Nilus reclining left on crocodile, holding cornucopia in extended right hand, and cradling reed in left arm; Iς (for 16 cubits) above, L TPICKAI (date) in exergue. Köln 1001; Dattari (Savio) 1808; K&G 32.470; RPC III 5730; Emmett 1014.13. Brown patina with earthen highlights. EF. Struck with dies of fine style. Ex Triton XI (7 January 2008), lot 525.The "Iς" on the reverse represents 16 cubits on the Nilometer, the gauge which measured the annual flood crest of the Nile, with 16 being the ideal point for the agriculture of the Nile valley. Lower than 16 cubits brought the danger of drought conditions, much higher and there was the possibility of damaging floods.
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