Potin Tetradrachm - Diocletian - Alexandria - Athena Victory Reverse

This billon tetradrachm was struck at Alexandria under Diocletian, who reigned from 284 to 305 AD. The regnal date L Delta in the fields marks it as a fourth-year issue, dating it to 287/288 AD. The obverse shows the laureate, cuirassed 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 standing left, holding a Victory figure in her right hand, who in turn holds a laurel wreath, with a shield resting at her feet and a scepter tucked under her left arm. As goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, Athena's presence evokes military strength and prudent governance, while the Victory she bears makes explicit the theme of triumph, here presented as a gift granted by the goddess herself. The scepter signals authority and rule, and the shield at her feet reinforces the theme of protection, together presenting Diocletian's reign as both militarily triumphant and wisely guided.

18.5 mm

7.51 g