Coin of Alexandria under Philip I c. 245 - 246

Curator: Here we have a coin of Alexandria under Philip I, an artifact that allows us to connect with the history of Roman Egypt. Editor: It's striking how much the coin's surface reveals through its aged materiality. The verdigris and worn texture communicate a sense of the past, time physically manifesting on its surface. Curator: Indeed, these coins served not only as currency but also as miniature billboards of imperial power and religious symbols. The images were carefully chosen to project authority and cultural continuity. Editor: From what I can see, the depiction of the eagle on one side looks quite stylized, emphasizing its symbolic weight over realistic representation. Its semiotic load is palpable. Curator: The eagle, a common symbol of Roman power, also had localized significance in Alexandria, connecting the emperor with the region's established traditions and beliefs. It bridged Roman authority and Egyptian heritage. Editor: Seeing the way the incised lines create form and texture is remarkable. Despite its small size, it makes an impact. Curator: Its smallness speaks to the large empires that once handled it, carrying the weight of those societies. Editor: It's fascinating to consider the hands this small object has passed through, and the histories it witnessed. A compelling artifact.