A really small Hadrian from Alexandria

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by cmezner, Mar 9, 2025.

  1. cmezner

    cmezner do ut des Supporter

    There seems to be no agreement on what the denomination is called; some numismatists call it chalkous, others call it dichalkon, hemiobol, hemiobelion,which is very confusing.

    If you can point me to where I can find how the denominations are called, please let me know.

    This coin is from a multiple lot; not in a good condition, but it was fun attributing it. It's always interesting to get multiple lots and try to attribute the coins.

    The green spots are hard, they don't come of so it doesn't seem to be BD.

    AE Chalkous(?)
    0.84 g
    RPC III, 5766; Dattari (Savio) 7862; Emmett 1176; BMC Alexandria, 891;

    Ob.: Laureate bust of Hadrian to r., slight paludamentum on l. shoulder. At right letter I. Border of dots.
    Rev.: Three grain ears bound together; L-IΔ (date) across fields.

    upload_2025-3-9_20-40-35.png

    upload_2025-3-9_20-40-51.png

    Please share your tiny chalkous (or whatever they are called) or anything you like to share:)
     
    Alegandron, Codera, Factor and 9 others like this.
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  3. cmezner

    cmezner do ut des Supporter

    Forgot to mention that according to the numismatist Adolfo Eidelstein's Interpretation, on the reverse is depicted a Nilometer.:confused: Will google Nilometer and see how it looks.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2025
    nerosmyfavorite68 likes this.
  4. nerosmyfavorite68

    nerosmyfavorite68 Well-Known Member

    Interesting. That is quite tiny.

    Here's an uncleaned one. Trajan - AE Dichalkon - Alexandria - 15mm, 1.23g

    I don't usually collect coins so small. but I was on a quest to find uncleaned examples of a variety of denominations.

    Trajan - AE Dichalkon - Alexandria - 15mm, 1.23g.jpg
     
  5. cmezner

    cmezner do ut des Supporter

    Wow, any idea what is depicted on the reverse? A canopus of Osiris?
     
  6. nerosmyfavorite68

    nerosmyfavorite68 Well-Known Member

    GarrettB likes this.
  7. Broucheion

    Broucheion Well-Known Member

    Hi All,

    The reverse image was discussed in a long thread from some years back. Research there turned up that the vessel is an Urnula, a type of many spouted vase. See https://www.cointalk.com/threads/more-to-this-than-meets-the-eye.309276/

    The Urnula is described in a bit more detail here https://isiopolis.com/2022/09/11/the-mysterious-water-crypts-of-isis/ from which the quote below:

    Apuleius’ tale of initiation into the Mysteries of Isis includes a description of a procession for Isis in which a vessel often known as an urnula was carried. Apuleius described it in detail in his account of the procession. He says it represented highest Deity, but was not in the form of any animal nor any human, yet that it inspired wonder in those who beheld it because of its strangeness.

    This sacred Isian object was a small vase of gold with a rounded body, its base adorned with Egyptian figures (possibly hieroglyphs). It had a long spout on one side and on the other a graceful, curved handle. A rearing Egyptian cobra often decorated the handle. This type of vessel would seem ideal for pouring libations.

    - Broucheion
     
  8. GarrettB

    GarrettB Well-Known Member

    Nice coins all. I haven't really looked into these tiny denominations, but I did buy one at auction as I'm after as full a set of Trajan coins as I can get (quadrans, semis etc).

    This is an ae12 of Trajan (obviously purchased from Savoca!)

    Trajan ae12.jpg
     
  9. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Wow, @cmezner , really like that smallie! Nice.

    [​IMG]

    Egypt Ptolemy III Euergetes 246-222 BCE AE Chalkous 12.0mm 2.0g Zeus-Ammon Eagle Trident Svoronos 840 ex Righetti Collection
     
  10. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Another’n:

    [​IMG]
    RI
    Trajan
    Egypt AE Dichalkon
    Laureate hd R
    Rhinoceros walking L
    LI-Z yr 17 CE 113-114
    12.9mm 1.25g
    Emmet 719 var. of rhino right
     
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