Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 366 13 January 2016
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EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (36mm, 22.61 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 127/8). Laureate and draped bust right / Nilus reclining left, holding reed and cornucopia from which emerges a Genius; Iς (for 16 cubits) above, crocodile below, L ∆ω∆EKAT (date) in exergue. Köln 990; Dattari (Savio) 1807; K&G 32.460; Emmett 1014.12. VF, brown surfaces with areas of green and red, numerous cleaning scratches.
The numeral 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.
The numeral 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.