265, Lot: 308. Estimate $150. Sold for $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Hadrian. AD 117-138. Æ Drachm (34mm, 22.56 g, 11h). Dated RY 12 (AD 127/8). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Nilus reclining left by crocodile, holding cornucopiae with small Genius, papyrus plant behind; Iς (mark of the Nile) above, L ΔωΔEK (date) in exergue. Köln 991; Dattari (Savio) 1805-6; K&G 32.461. VF, brown patina, light marks.

The numeral on the reverse represents 16 cubits on the Nilometer, the gauge which measured the annual flood crest of the Nile, with 16 being the ideal point for the agriculture of the Nile valley. Lower than 16 cubits brought the danger of drought conditions, much higher and there was the possibility of damaging floods.