© T.G
© T.G
Tetradrachm - Diocletianus
| Copper | 7.75 g | 17.6 mm |
| Issuer | Alexandria (Egypt) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 289-291 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 7.75 g |
| Diameter | 17.6 mm |
| Thickness | 4.7 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#143973 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Eirene standing left, holding olive branch and sceptre.
Script: Latin
Lettering: L ς
Comment
DIOCLETIAN(20/11/284-1/05/305) Caius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus
Augustus (20/11/284-1/05/305)
Diocletian, born in 245 in Dalmatia (Split), was an Illyrian emperor. He took the purple after having eliminated Aper, prefect of the prétoire, father-in-law and murderer of Numerian, on November 20, 284. Fighting at first against Carinus, last son of Carus, he was beaten at Margus the following year; but Carinus was assassinated and Diocletian remained alone as august. He named Maximian, a compatriot, Caesar in November 285, then Augustus on April 1, 286. He had just created a new political regime, the dyarchy where two emperors shared the military and political power, but Maximian remained subordinate to Diocletian. Diocletian placed himself under the Jovian protection (of Jupiter) while Maximian was of Herculean essence (of Hercules). Diocletian spent the first ten years of his reign fighting in the East, while Maximian remained in the West. Diocletian was the first emperor of the Lower Empire, according to Gibbons, and the founder of the dominion.
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm coin from Alexandria (Egypt) made of Copper weighing 7.75g, issued during the reign of Diocletianus (289-291), features an image of the Roman Emperor on one side and the goddess Isis on the other. This coin was used as a means of payment and trading in the Eastern Roman Empire during that time.
