Potin Tetradrachm - Maximian - Alexandria - Tyche Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Maximian, who ruled as co-emperor with Diocletian from 286 to 305 AD. No regnal date is legible on this example, so a specific year within the reign cannot be pinned down. The obverse shows the laureate 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 Tyche, goddess of fortune and the personification of the city, holding a cornucopia and a ship's rudder. The cornucopia signifies abundance and prosperity, while the rudder, an attribute of Tyche in her guise as Fortuna, symbolizes the guidance of fate or fortune, often understood as steering the course of the city's or empire's affairs.