Alexandria in Egypt, 150-151 AD., Antoninus Pius, Æ Drachm, Griffin.

Alexandria in Egypt, Antoninus Pius,
Æ Drachm (33-34 mm / 19.19 g), 150-151 AD.,
Obv.: A[VT] KT AI AΔP - [ANTWNINOC CEB E]VC, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right.
Rev.: L IΔ (regnal year 14) , Griffin seated right, resting forepaw on the wheel of fortune; date above.
Ref. ?

The Griffin was known in Egypt before 3300 BC and is possibly more ancient still.
In Greece the griffin was a symbol of vigilant strength; Apollo rode one, and griffins guarded the gold of the Hyperboreans of the far north.
The griffin was also an embodiment of Nemesis, the goddess of retribution, and turned her wheel of fortune.
In symbolism, the griffin combines the symbolic qualities of two solar creatures, the lion and the eagle. It is the king of birds and lord of the air united with the king of beasts and lord of the earth. Griffins are a symbol of the sun, wisdom, vengeance, strength, and salvation.