Potin Tetradrachm - Probus - Alexandria - Eagle Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Probus, who reigned from 276 to 282 AD. The regnal date L Z in the fields marks it as a seventh-year issue, dating it to 281/282 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, cuirassed bust of Probus 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 an eagle standing left with closed wings, its head turned right, holding a laurel wreath in its beak. The eagle is a standard emblem of Zeus/Jupiter and imperial authority, commonly used on Alexandrian coinage to affirm the emperor's legitimacy. The wreath in its beak suggests victory or honor conferred upon the emperor, reinforcing the image of Probus's rule as favored by the gods.

19 mm

8.37 g