Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Philip II c. 249 - 250

Curator: This is a tetradrachm, a coin from Alexandria minted under Philip II, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing just over 12 grams, it’s a small piece of history that speaks volumes. Editor: It feels weighty somehow, doesn't it? That dark patina and worn surface whisper stories. Curator: Absolutely. The images themselves, the regal portrait on one side and perhaps an eagle or deity on the other, are potent symbols of power and legacy. Imagine the hands it passed through. Editor: The very act of imprinting a ruler's image onto currency is fascinating. It’s as if Philip II is saying, "I am the state; I am your wealth." Curator: Coins were a way to communicate power, divinity, and cultural identity throughout the empire, embedding the emperor’s image in everyday life. Editor: Looking at its condition, I'm reminded of how time and use alter the meaning of objects. This coin is no longer just currency, but a relic, a tangible link to a vanished world. Curator: Precisely, and each scratch, each bit of wear, adds to its unique story. Editor: It makes you think about what symbols from our own time will carry weight centuries from now. Curator: Indeed, a humbling and fascinating thought.