Magnificent medallion sized coins with complex scenes of mythology are available to those who can spend thousands of dollars per coin. Most of the coins shown here might well be found at a local coin show or listed on eBay for a few dollars each. Nero Antoninus Pius Commodus Elagabalus Probus Foremost among the great cities, second only to Rome herself, was Alexandria, Egypt. To isolate it economically, the mint at Alexandria produced a local coinage unlike that of other parts of the Empire. Our five examples above shows this decline.
Reverse types show a variety of Egyptian gods, animals and other scenes of interest.
Legends are in Greek with most reverses dated to the regnal year of the Emperor according to the Alexandrian calendar. The variety of reverses available on these large coins is amazing. Full drachms and fractions usually show a distinctive 'cup shaped' flan casting technique with the obverse edge very rounded. This, coupled with poor striking and great wear, makes full obverse legend coins unusual. Rarities in this series include astrological and historical scenes of great interest.