Potin Tetradrachm - Diocletian - Alexandria - Elpis Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Diocletian, who reigned from 284 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 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 Elpis, the Greek personification of hope and counterpart to the Roman Spes, walking left while holding a flower and lifting the drapery of her garment with her left hand. The flower is her characteristic attribute, evoking the promise of renewal and growth, while the gesture of raising her skirt reflects the traditional pose of Spes striding forward. Together the type expresses confidence in the continuity and future prosperity of the reign.

18 mm

8.00 g