Potin Tetradrachm - Maximian - Alexandria - Nike Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Maximian, who ruled as co-emperor with Diocletian from 286 to 305 AD. Alexandrian coinage under Maximian was dated by Diocletian's regnal years, and the L Gamma in the fields marks this as a third-year issue, dating it to 286/287 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximian viewed from behind, 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 Victory walking right, holding a wreath and palm branch, with a star in the right field. Victory is a direct and explicit proclamation of military triumph, with the wreath and palm branch serving as her traditional attributes of honor and success. The star is generally read as a mark of divine favor, reinforcing the sense that Maximian's victories were sanctioned by the gods.

18 mm

7.21 g