ELPIS -- Maximianus, 285 - 310 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt

Extremely Spectacular and Beautiful Elpis --

Elpis was the Greek equivalent of the Roman Spes, the goddess of hope. She was traditionally defined as "the last goddess" (Spes, ultima dea), meaning that hope is the last resource available to men. Elpis personified hope for good harvests, and for children, and was invoked at births, marriages, and other important times.

Billon tetradrachm, Dattari 5875; Milne 4829; Curtis 2071; Geissen 3286; BMC Alexandria p. 329, 2556; SNG Cop 1024, aEF, 6.660g, 20.5mm, 0o, Alexandria mint, 29 Aug 286 - 28 Aug 287; obverse "A K M OUA MAXIMIANO"C C"EB", laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; reverse Elpis standing left, flower in right, raising drapery with left, star behind, L - B (year 2) across fields.

From a very important collection. Slightly more expensive, but a very high-quality coin with a stunning goddess image on reverse.

$225.00