Potin Tetradrachm - Carinus - Alexandria - Nike Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Carinus, who reigned from 283 to 285 AD. The regnal date L B in the fields marks it as a second-year issue, dating it to 284/285 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, cuirassed bust of Carinus viewed from the front, with a Greek legend giving his imperial titles, in keeping with Alexandria's long tradition of striking its own Greek-legended coinage separate from the rest of the empire.

The reverse depicts a winged Nike walking right, holding a palm branch under her left arm and a laurel wreath in her right hand. Nike is a direct and explicit proclamation of military triumph, with the palm branch and wreath serving as her traditional attributes of honor and victory, ironically presenting Carinus's rule as marked by success in war.

8.08 g

19 mm