Potin Tetradrachm - Diocletian - Alexandria - Tyche Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Diocletian, who reigned from 284 to 305 AD. The regnal date L A in the left field marks it as a first-year issue, dating it to 284/285 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, cuirassed bust of Diocletian viewed from the front, 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 of this example is boldly struck and rendered in fine style.

The reverse depicts a turreted female figure, facing left, with her right hand outstretched and a scepter tucked under her right arm. The turreted crown identifies her as a city-goddess, most likely Tyche personifying Alexandria itself, and the scepter reinforces her role as a figure of civic authority and protection. The extended right hand is commonly read as a gesture of welcome or benediction, presenting the city as receptive and favorably disposed toward the new emperor's reign.

19 mm

5.87 g