76, Lot: 57. Estimate $300. Sold for $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HADRIAN. 117-138 AD. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.32 gm). Struck circa 134-138 AD. Bare head right / Nilus reclining right on urn, holding reed and cornucopiae; hippopotamus at feet. RIC II 310; RSC 989. Good VF.

From the T. R. McIntosh Collection.

This coin commemorates Hadrian's tour of Egypt in 130-131 AD. One of the most important events of Hadrian's reign was his extended imperial tour of the provinces, which lasted for much of his reign. In order to take stock of his inheritance as well as calm the disquiet which had arisen in the later years of Trajan's reign, the new emperor travelled throughout the provinces, re-establishing the Roman order and connecting with local governments that helped to ensure the Pax Romana for another half-century.