EGYPT. Alexandria. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Drachm (Bronze, 32 mm, 21.10 g, 12 h), RY 18 = 154/5. ΑΥΤ Κ Τ ΑΙ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤⲰΝΙΝ[ΟC CЄΒ] ЄΥC Laureate and draped bust of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. [L I]-H Isis Euploia standing front, head to left, holding grain ears in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; to left, forepart of ship under sail; to right, stern of ship; to lower left, female reclining right, head to left; to lower right, Nilus reclining left, holding rudder in his right hand. Dattari (Savio) 2899. Emmett 1589.18. K&G 35.661. RPC IV.4 online 13846. The reverse a bit rough, otherwise, good fine.


The reverse scene of this symbolizes the great wealth of Alexandria, one of the largest cities of the ancient world, which may have counted as much as half a million inhabitants at the height of its prosperity. The city was the thoroughfare for the Egyptian tax grain used to feed the Roman plebs and for precious goods imported from India and southern Arabia. On the reverse of this coin, Isis Euploia, the protectress of sailors and ships at sea, stands in the center, flanked by Nilus, who ensured Egypt's agricultural fertility, whereas merchant vessels sail in the background.