EGYPT. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Didrachm (Billon, 18 mm, 4.88 g, 12 h), RY 15 = 130/1. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ ϹЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. L - IE Draped bust of Serapis to right, wearing kalathos. Dattari (Savio) -. Emmett -. K&G -. RPC III 5776.2 (this coin). Of the highest rarity, one of two examples known and the only one in private hands. Rough surfaces and with some cleaning scratches on the obverse, otherwise, fair.


Didrachms were produced only extremely rarely in Roman Egypt. The emission of this issue is undoubtedly connected to Hadrian's visit to the country in 130, during which his young lover, Antinoüs, drowned in the Nile.