Hadrian Alexandrian Drachm

AVT KAI TRAI A∆PIA CEB
laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind

Nilus seated left on rocks, reed in right, cornucopia in left, crocodile right climbing up rocks, IS / L (year 16) above left

Alexandria
25.03g, 34mm

Emmett 1014

Ex-Zurgieh

The Greek numeral sixteen (Iς) above Nilus refers to what was considered the ideal height of the annual Nile flood, sixteen cubits. Less could mean drought or famine. Even in modern times grand celebrations were held when the flood reached 16 cubits. In years when the flood failed to reach 16 cubits, the celebrations were canceled, and prayers and fasting were held instead. The peak flood occurred at the end of August, which explains why the Egyptian year began on 29 August.

Gifted