Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Probus c. 281 - 282

Curator: This is a tetradrachm from Alexandria, produced during the reign of Emperor Probus. Its presence in the Harvard Art Museums speaks to the global reach of Roman influence and trade. Editor: It’s incredibly tactile. The low relief makes it feel almost worn smooth by countless hands. There’s a strange intimacy in that. Curator: Indeed. Coins are fascinating social documents. They allow us to trace trade routes and political power. The imagery, of course, also conveys an immense amount about the ruler’s self-presentation. Editor: Absolutely. The eagle on the reverse, a symbol of Roman power and divinity, sits in stark contrast to Probus's stern profile, both archetypes vying for prominence. Curator: Precisely. And even the wear and tear tells a story. Each scratch and imperfection marks its journey through time and the hands of those who used it. Editor: It really drives home how potent these little objects were. Holding a little piece of history, of empire, of someone's daily transaction, makes it resonate with a certain weight. Curator: It truly does. It encourages us to look beyond the grandeur of Rome and consider the lives touched by its everyday coinage. Editor: A tangible link to the past, reminding us of our connection to those who came before.