© geraltttt82
© geraltttt82
Tetradrachm - Diocletianus Tyche on a bed
| Copper | 7.39 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Alexandria (Egypt) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 284-285 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 7.39 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#78986 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
L A in upper center field
Tyche, crowned with modius, reclining left on garlanded couch resting right hand on rudder.
Script: Greek
Lettering: L A
Comment
Alexandrian tetradrachms, whose value seems to have been fixed at one denarius, or half antoninian, have followed the devaluation of the denarius since Augustus. Proportionally to the Antoninian, its silver content dropped considerably until it became minimal. Diocletian's reform marked the end of issues with Greek legends, and the Alexandria workshop became an imperial Latin workshop, like Antioch or Siscia, minting official denominations (essentially the follis and its divisionaries).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Tyche, the Greek goddess of fortune and prosperity, reclining on a bed, which was a unique and unconventional design for a coin at that time. This design was meant to symbolize the wealth and prosperity of the Roman Empire under the rule of Diocletianus.
