Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 286 - 287

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian, a small coin with some wear and lovely green patina. What can you tell us about this material object? Curator: Look closely at the process. This wasn't just about making money; it's about disseminating power. Each strike of the die, each coin circulated, reinforced Diocletian's rule through material presence. The copper alloy itself reflects broader resource management. Editor: So, it's about how a common material can be a tool of control? Curator: Precisely. This coin isn't just currency; it's a statement about labor, resources, and Diocletian's authority, all compressed into a single, circulated object.