5017 EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian Drachm 117-18 AD Hadrian in quadriga

Reference.
Emmett 960.2; RPC III, 5017/17; Köln 757; Dattari (Savio) 1585 var.

Issue L B = year 2

Obv. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙС ΤΡΑIΝΟС (sic) ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟС
Laureate bust right No Beard, slight drapery

Rev. L B
Emperor (Hadrian) standing in quadriga, right, laureate-headed, wearing toga, holding eagle-tipped sceptre and branch.

21.80 gr
34 mm
12 h

From the Syracuse Collection.

Note CNG.
Hadrian’s portraits on his early coins in Alexandria more closely resemble Trajan, as the engravers in the provinces waited for an official Imperial model or bust to be sent out. In this case, by Hadrian’s regnal year 2, the engravers might have had access to or knowledge of what Hadrian looked like, as the portrait on the present coin is beginning to morph into a more accurate representation of Hadrian’s Imperial image.