Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Probus c. 276 - 277

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Probus, sitting at 8.84 grams. It looks incredibly old and worn. What strikes you most about it? Curator: Its eroded state is compelling. Each coin served as propaganda; its imagery conveyed power and legitimacy. What happens when that image is degraded? Editor: Does it lose power? Curator: Perhaps. Or does the patina and wear add another layer of meaning about the passage of time, about whose power endures and whose fades? Consider the coin's journey from a symbol of imperial authority to a museum object. Editor: That's a good point. Thank you for the insight. Curator: My pleasure. It’s crucial to analyze how institutions shape our understanding and appreciation of artifacts.