Egypt, Alexandria. Valerian I, 253-260. Tetradrachm (Billon, 21.72 mm, 11.84 g). Dated RY 1 = AD 253/4. AK Π ΛI OYAΛЄPIANOC ЄY ЄYC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian right; gorgoneion on chest. Rev. Elpis standing, facing left, dressed in chiton and peplos, is holding a flower in her right hand; L A (date) across fields. Dattari 5151 (this specimen). Dattari-Savio Plate 269, 5151 (this specimen). Milne 3867. Emmett 3709. Nice portrait and patina. Good Very Fine. Ex Giovanni Dattari Collection, il Cairo. Ex Jean-Pierre Righetti Collection I. Ex Münzen und Medaillen Deutschland, Auction 12, 11.04.2003, lot 653. Tetradrachm struck at the beginning of Valerian’s reign: Year A = AD 253–254, featuring on the obverse a well-executed and fairly physiognomic imperial portrait. On the reverse, Elpis, the Greek goddess of hope, walks solemnly and confidently. Yet hope played little role in favour of Valerian, whose fate was both humiliating and tragic. An excellent coin, formerly part of the Giovanni Dattari collection.