Dupondius or As - Hadrian NILVS S C, Nilus

This issue belongs to Hadrian's extensive series of "travel coins" struck following his journey through Egypt in 130–131 AD — one of the most consequential imperial tours of the entire 2nd century. The Nilus type was part of a broader provincial series celebrating the resources and identities of Rome's subject territories, Egypt's inclusion reflecting both its enormous grain-supply importance and the personal impression the region made on Hadrian.

The emperor's Egyptian visit coincided with the drowning of his companion Antinous in the Nile in October 130 AD, after which Hadrian founded the city of Antinoöpolis on the presumed site.