Coins of Roman Egypt

Antoninus Pius

Billon Tetradrachm
First and Second Centuries

Roughly equivalent to a denarius when introduced by Tiberius, the silver content declined rapidly. The tetradrachm was the only denomination to be issued continuously until Diocletian's currency reform in 246.

Average size: 23-26 mm

Average weight: 10-14 gm

Potin Tetradrachm

Maximinus

Potin Tetradrachm
Mid Third Century

While the silver content was decreased to 10% or less, these remain attractive coins of good fabric through the reign of Gallienus. Size and quality then begin to decline.

Average size: 19-25 mm

Average weight: 8-14 gm

Maximianus

Potin Tetradrachm
Mid Fourth Century

By the reign of Diocletian the silver content is less than 1% and the size is much reduced. Both metal and manufacture are crude by comparison to earlier issues.

Average size: 17-21 mm

Average weight: 5-12 gm

Hadrian

Æ Drachm

Introduced under Nero, the drachm was issued with regularity through the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Production then becomes sporadic and by the reign of Severus Alexander drachms are rare and likely commemorative pieces. The final issue of drachm is a rare and much reduced issue by Aurelian with Vabalathus.

Average size: 30-36 mm

Average weight: 12-28 gm

Hadrian

Æ Hemidrachm

Begun by Nero and continuing through the reign of Elagabalus, the hemidrachm is the least common of the bronze coins.

Average size: 28-30 mm

Average weight: 10-15 gm

Domitian

Æ Diobol

One of the earliest denominations, the diobol was introduced by Augustus and continued to be struck until the reign of Elagabalus.

Average size: 22-26 mm

Average weight: 5-11 gm

Hadrian

Æ Obol

Introduced at the same time as its larger counterpart, the obol only lasted through the reign of Antoninus Pius.

Average size: 18-20 mm

Average weight: 3-6 gm

Trajan

Æ Hemiobol

Also introduced by Augustus, the hemiobol was issued in small quantities, ceasing under Marcus Aurelius. These are the crudest of Alexandrian bronzes, the flans are often irregular and the strikes off-center.

Average size: 12-15 mm

Average weight: 1-2 gm

Hadrian

Æ Quarter Obol

Both Milne and Curtis catalogue all of the smallest bronze issues as dichalka. It appears however, that the smallest of these coins represent a separate denomination.

Average size: 8-12 mm

Average weight: 1-1.5 gm