Potin Tetradrachm - Diocletian - Alexandria - Athena Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Diocletian, who reigned from 284 to 305 AD. The regnal date L Gamma in the left field marks it as a third-year issue, dating it to 286/287 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, cuirassed bust of Diocletian 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 Athena standing, holding a scepter in her right hand and a shield in her left. As goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, Athena's presence on the coinage evokes military strength and prudent governance. The scepter signals authority and rule, while the shield reinforces the theme of protection, together presenting Diocletian's reign as guided by wisdom and defended by martial strength.

19 mm

6.43 g