EGYPT. Alexandria. Trajan, 98-117. Drachm (Bronze, 34 mm, 20.63 g, 11 h), RY 18 = 113/4. AYT TPAIAN CЄB ΓЄPM ΔAKIK Radiate, heroically nude bust of Trajan to right, with aegis on his left shoulder. Rev. L IH Nilus reclining left on crocodile, holding reed in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left; in the exergue, lotus flowers. Dattari (Savo) -. Emmett -. K&G -. RPC III -. Apparently unpublished and unique, with a highly unusual bust type. Harshly cleaned and with some pitting, otherwise, very fine.



This coin is exceptionally unusual. First, it portrays Trajan with a radiate crown - an extremely rare feature for a drachm, though not entirely unknown. Additionally, the obverse legend is hitherto only attested with Trajan’s regnal years 10 through 17, yet this coin was struck during his 18th year.