EGYPT. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Tetradrachm (Billon, 25 mm, 13.23 g, 12 h), RY 6 = 121/2. ΑΥΤ Κ[ΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ] ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹЄΒ Laureate head of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder; to right, crescent. Rev. L - ς Eusebeia standing front, head to right, sacrificing incense over altar with her right hand and holding incense box in her left. Dattari (Savio) 1372 = RPC III online 5324.2 (this coin). Emmett 846.6. K&G 32.185. Extremely rare. Nicely toned. Minor porosity and the reverse somewhat double struck, otherwise, nearly very fine.


The reverse of this coin might be a reference to the death of Plotina, Trajan's wife. She had greatly favored Hadrian, and some rumors state she fabricated Trajan's will upon his death so that Hadrian would be adopted as the imperial heir. After her own death, Hadrian had her deified, and her ashes were interred with those of Trajan at the base of famed Trajan's Column in Rome.