Coin of Alexandria under Gallus c. 251 - 253

Editor: This is a coin from Alexandria, dating back to the reign of Trebonianus Gallus. It’s fascinating how such a small object can feel so weighty with history. What strikes you most about this artifact? Curator: Its silence, perhaps. Think of the hands it passed through, the stories it could tell! Beyond that romantic notion, I see a tangible link to a powerful empire trying to stamp its authority, literally, on everyday life. Does the imagery spark anything for you? Editor: I do notice some writing on the coin. And is that a Sphinx on the other side? Curator: You've got a good eye! The Sphinx would have been instantly recognizable to people in Alexandria, a potent symbol, while the inscription broadcasts imperial power. Makes you wonder about its value then versus now, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. It's incredible to consider its journey through time. Curator: Indeed, a tiny window into a vast world, and a reminder of how we create and preserve meaning.