Alexandreia (AD 253-268) AE 24

Quasi-autonomous, time of Gallienus, 253-268 AD. AE24 (5.12g). ALEX - TRO, draped and turreted bust of city-goddess (Tyche) right; behind vexillum inscribed CO/AV(?) / CO - L - AVG - TRO, eagle with raised wings flying right, holding in his talons forehead of bull. EF, superb specimen. Hoeft coll.

'The eagle carrying a bull's head which is a common occurrence from now [Commodus Caesar] on, must refer to a foundation legend, like that told of Antioch on the Orontes, of an eagle carrying part of a sacrificial animal to a spot where the new city was destined to raise.' Bellinger, Troy: The Coins, p. 106.