Potin Tetradrachm - Aurelian - Alexandria - Eagle Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Aurelian, who reigned from 270 to 275 AD. The regnal date Epsilon L in the left field marks it as a fifth-year issue, dating it to 274/275 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, cuirassed bust of Aurelian 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 with closed wings walking left, holding a wreath in its beak, with a star in the right field. 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, while the star is generally read as a mark of divine favor or consecration. Together the elements present Aurelian's rule as sanctioned by the gods.

21.7 mm

6.8 g