EGYPT. Alexandria. Hadrian, 117-138. Obol (Bronze, 20 mm, 5.00 g, 12 h), Xoite nome, RY 11 = 126/7. ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙ ΤΡΑΙ ΑΔΡΙΑ CЄΒ Laureate head of Hadrian to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. ΞΟΙ / L ΙΑ Isis standing front, head to left, wearing crown consisting of solar disk and cow's horns and holding ram in her right hand and short scepter in her left. Dattari (Savio) 11069 = RPC III online 6435.26 (this coin). Emmett 1270.11. K&G N52.7. Rare. Minor deposits, otherwise, very fine.


This coin forms part of the 'nome coinage', struck under several emperors starting from Domitian and ending with Antoninus Pius. The division of Egypt into nomes (smaller districts) had its roots in the pharaonic administration, but continued to be used in the Graeco-Roman period. On the reverse of the obols struck by Hadrian (probably for the emperor's decennalia), the respective nomes are identified through the legend and a local deity is depicted.

This coin was struck for the Xoites, located in the Delta. Though we know little about this nome, it is clear that Ammon-Ra was particularly venerated there, along with Isis, the great Egyptian fertility goddess and mistress of magic. Our coin depicts the latter, though she is holding a small ram, clearly in reference to the cult of Ammon-Ra.