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5717 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Drachm 127-28 AD Nilus reclining on hippopotamus
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Reference.
Emmett 1015.12; RPC III, 5717 Dattari 7750. BMC 787, p.92; Milne 1267; Köln 992
Issue L ΔWΔƐΚΑΤΟΥ = year 12
Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ - ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ СƐΒ
laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian, right, seen from behind.
Rev. L ΔWΔƐΚ(Α)
Nilus reclining left on hippopotamus, holding reed in left and cornucopia with small Genius in right hand; above ΙϚ
26.69 gr
35 mm
12h
Note Jay gt4
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.
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