Denarius (Coin) Portraying Emperor Hadrian

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the head of Emperor Hadrian, facing to the right. On the back (reverse), the personification of Egypt is seated, holding a sistrum (a type of musical instrument), and facing an ibis. Egypt was the richest province of the Roman Empire and an important source of grain. The sistrum was an emblem of Egypt and used by priests of Isis in religious ceremonies.

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