EGYPT. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Drachm (Bronze, 34 mm, 23.87 g, 12 h), RY 17 = 132/3. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙC ΤΡΑΙΑΝ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟC CЄΒ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian to right, seen from behind. Rev. L IZ Serapis, on the left, standing right, holding globe in his right hand and holding scepter in his left, and Hadrian, on the right, standing front, head to left, holding scepter in his left hand and resting his right on stele inscribed ΑΔΡ/ΙΑ/NON, all within distyle temple. Dattari (Savio) 1946 = RPC III online 5845.2 = Staffieri, Alexandria in Nummis, 69 (this coin). Emmett 1042.17. K&G 32.554. An extremely rare variety with Serapis holding a globe. A very attractive coin with a lovely brown patina. Two flan cracks, otherwise, good very fine.


The reverse scene of this coin probably refers to the dedication of a building in Hadrian's name to Serapis near the Serapeum in Alexandria.