Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Numerian c. 284 - 285

Editor: So, here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Numerian, a coin held at the Harvard Art Museums. The weight is 8.71 grams. It feels like a tangible link to the past. What stories do you see embedded in this artifact? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a propaganda tool reflecting the power dynamics of its time. Consider Numerian's portrait: How does it project authority? And what does the imagery on the reverse reveal about the values and beliefs being promoted? Editor: It's interesting to think about it as a form of ancient media, shaping public perception. It makes you wonder about its impact on the people who used it. Curator: Exactly! And how does that impact resonate through history, shaping our understanding of identity, power, and representation even today? Editor: That's a compelling thought. I’ll definitely look at ancient artifacts differently now. Curator: The past always speaks to the present, if we listen closely.