Egypt. Alexandria. Constantius I, as Caesar, 293-305. Tetradrachm (Billon, 19.1 mm, 7.39 g). Dated RY 1 (292/293). ΦΛΑ ΚⲰCΤΑΝΤΙΟC K Laureate head right. Rev. Elpis standing left, holding lotus blossom and raising a fold of her skirt; L A (date) across field, palm frond to left. Geissen -. Dattari-Savio 6049. Emmett 4185. Dark brown patina, minor roughness. Very Fine.

Ex numismatica Aretusa SA, Lugano (Franco Chiesa), January 1989.

Constantius I Chlorus, general of Illyrian origin, in the tetrarchy was the Caesar vice-emperor of the Augustus Maximian and father of Costantine I, and responsible for the Gauls, Spain and Britain as well. On the reverse of this rare tetradrachm, the peaceful Elpis is offering her support to the new Caesar in his installation’s year. At the exergue, the mark with the letter A, suggests us the first mint’s workshop.