Roman Denarius Coin

Inv. No.: c096
Date: A.D. 134-138.
Weight: 3.34g
 
Obv.: Hadrian, laureate.
HADRIANVS AVG.COS.III P.P.

Rev.: Egypt, reclining, holding sistrum, resting left arm on basket; ibis in front of her.
AEGYPTOS

The portrait is naturalistic, forceful and vigorous. Hadrian was deeply interested in his provinces, and visited them in two major tours (121-127 and 128-131). His interest is reflected in a remarkable series of coins minted in the closing years of his reign, when his travels had finally ended. The provinces are depicted as female figures, in appropriate garb and with their individual attributes. In every instance, local character is evinced with great skill. Here Egypt is distinguished by her sacred bird, the ibis, the sistrum, or rattle, used by the Egyptians in their worship of Isis, and a basket containing native produce.

Comparanda:
RIC, Hadrian 297.