Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus c. 270 - 271

Curator: This is a tetradrachm from Alexandria, issued under Claudius II Gothicus. The coin, now held at the Harvard Art Museums, offers a glimpse into the economic and political landscape of the Roman Empire. Editor: It looks like it's been through a lot, doesn't it? The wear and tear give it an almost ghostly feel, like holding a whisper of history in your hand. Curator: Indeed. These coins were not just currency; they were tools for projecting power. The image of the emperor, even in miniature, reinforced imperial authority throughout the vast empire. Editor: It’s fascinating how something so small could carry so much weight. I wonder who last held this coin and what they thought of the man whose face was on it. Curator: Precisely. This single object encapsulates complex themes of governance and daily life. Editor: It makes you think about the layers of meaning embedded in even the most mundane objects.