Numerian, AD 283-284, Tetradrachm

Numerian, Tetradrachm, billon, AD 283–284; Alexandria mint, regnal year 2 (AD 284/285). 8.24 g; 19 mm. Obv: Α Κ Μ Α ΝΟΥΜΕΡΙΑΝΟϹ Κ Ϲ; laureate bust of Numerian right. Rev: L Β; regnal year 2. Struck at Alexandria in billon with Greek legends and Egyptian regnal dating. RPC X Online 75845 (unassigned); RPC records 4 examples.

Issued during Numerian’s brief joint rule with his brother Carinus after the death of their father Carus, this Alexandrian tetradrachm reflects Egypt’s continued use of Greek legends and local regnal-year dating (L = year) late into the third century. The L Β marks the second regnal year, corresponding to AD 284/285, the period in which Numerian died on the return from the Persian campaign—an event that precipitated Diocletian’s elevation and the transformation of imperial governance. The piece belongs to the final decades of Egypt’s separate billon tetradrachm system before its replacement under Diocletian’s monetary reforms.