Potin Tetradrachm - Diocletian - Alexandria - Seated Athena Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Diocletian, who reigned from 284 to 305 AD. The regnal date L B in the fields marks it as a second-year issue, dating it to 285/286 AD. The obverse shows the bust of Diocletian 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 Athena seated left, holding a Victory figure in her right hand and a scepter in her left, with a shield resting below. As goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, Athena's presence evokes military strength and prudent governance, while the Victory she holds makes explicit the theme of triumph granted under her favor. The scepter signals authority and rule, and the shield reinforces the theme of protection, together presenting Diocletian's reign as both militarily triumphant and wisely guided, early in his tenure as emperor.

7.38 g

19 mm