Roman Billon tetradrachm Coins

Inv. No.: c152
Date: Alexandria
Weight: 7.61g
 
Obv.: Diocletian, laureate, cuirassed.

Rev.: Zeus standing, chlamys on left shoulder, patera in right hand, left hand resting on sceptre; at Zeus’ feet, eagle, head turned.
LB

The reverse pays homage to Jupiter/Zeus, the favourite deity of Diocletian, who assumed the name Jovius, just as his colleague Maximian was called Herculius. The eagle was sacred to Jupiter, as minister of his lightning bolts.

For L = “year”, see on coin 48. B denotes the second year of Diocletian’s reign, i.e. A.D. 285.

Comparanda:
BMCG, Alexandria 2474.