Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Maximianus I c. 287 - 288

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, produced during the reign of Maximianus I. Editor: Its weathered surface evokes a sense of history, and there's a certain elegance in the coin's circular design. Curator: Indeed. The coin gives us a glimpse into the economy and craftsmanship of the era. Weighing in at just over six grams, its materiality provides insight into the access and distribution of wealth and power. Editor: The patinated bronze surface also provides a pleasing contrast, emphasizing the textures and linear forms of the Imperial bust and, what appears to be, an eagle? Curator: The portrait would have been a propaganda tool, disseminating Maximianus' image. The eagle symbolized Roman power and legitimacy. Editor: Examining it closely has given me a renewed appreciation for its composition. Curator: And it reminds us how objects, even small ones, can tell us so much about the society that created them.