AR23 - Hadrian L Β

This tetradrachm dates to the very first regnal year of Hadrian's reign — a chaotic transition marked by Trajan's death in Cilicia in August 117 and persistent rumors that the adoption had been forged by Trajan's widow Plotina. The Alexandrian mint moved quickly to affirm the new emperor, issuing coins across multiple types before the political situation in Rome had fully stabilized. Egypt, as an imperial province under direct prefectural control, had particular reason to demonstrate loyalty early.