Egypt. Alexandria. Trajan AD 98-117. Drachm (Bronze, 34.40 mm, 21.74 g.). Date L A = RY 1 = AD 27.01-28.08.98. AYΤ KAIC NEP TΡΑΙΑΝ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ Laureate head right. Rev. Nilus reclining on crocodile left, holding cornucopia from which issues Genius holding reed; behind God-river, a reed branch. Below L A. Dattari 973 var. Milne 545 f. SNG Cop. -. Emmett 550. Attractive green-red patina. Good very fine. Ex M&M Basel List 468, 1984, lot 190. Ex Hirsch 317, 18.02.2016, lot 2086. Alexandrian coin issues from the first year of Trajan's reign, which actually lasted seven months, are generally scarce and sought-after, such as our fascinating drachm with its brilliant original brick-red ‘desert’ patina. Unique in the obverse legend with NEP is the reminder of the predecessor Nerva who adopted him with right of succession, a hint later abandoned. It should be noted that the laureate head of the emperor, although well modeled, centered and in high relief, bears little resemblance to his as yet unofficial canonical portrait. Correctly centered on the reverse is also the image of the Nile lying on a bed where the crocodile emerges and the Genius comes out from the cornucopia indicating the number 16 corresponding to the number of stages by which the sacred river must grow to ensure the abundance of cultivated crops with the overflow of its silt.