Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus c. 269 - 270

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums and weighs 9.52 grams. Editor: The verdigris is striking—almost jewel-like against the faded bronze. It speaks of centuries buried, of slow chemical transformation. Curator: Indeed. Minted during a tumultuous period of Roman history, this coin served a vital purpose, disseminating the emperor's image and authority throughout the empire. Editor: It's remarkable how much information is packed into such a small object—the imperial portrait, the eagle symbolizing power... and all created through skilled metalworking. It served as more than just currency. Curator: Precisely. The coin was a carefully crafted piece of propaganda, reinforcing Claudius Gothicus's legitimacy during his brief but significant reign. Editor: The act of striking a coin, forcing metal to conform to an image, shows Roman control and their need to broadcast power and permanence through repetitive action. Curator: The coin gives us a window into the priorities and power structures of its time. Editor: And how those priorities played out in the material world, through labor, and resources.