Potin Tetradrachm - Diocletian - Alexandria - Nike Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Diocletian, who reigned from 284 to 305 AD. The regnal date L Delta in the right field marks it as a fourth-year issue, dating it to 287/288 AD. The obverse shows the laureate bust of Diocletian facing right, 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 marching right, holding a palm branch under her left arm and a laurel crown in her right hand. Nike is a direct and explicit proclamation of military triumph, with the palm branch and crown serving as her traditional attributes of honor and victory, presenting Diocletian's rule as marked by success in war.

7.12 g

19 mm