Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus c. 269 - 270

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it looks like a little, weathered world. That verdigris patina gives it such an aged, mysterious feeling. Curator: Indeed! The coin is rich with imagery, reflecting both Roman imperial power and the enduring influence of Egyptian iconography. Editor: It's incredible to think about the hands this little piece has passed through, all the transactions, all the stories it's silently witnessed. Curator: Coins served as potent propaganda tools, circulating images and symbols to reinforce the emperor's authority throughout the vast empire. Editor: Makes you wonder what Claudius II Gothicus would think if he could see his face, or what’s left of it, being discussed millennia later! Curator: It certainly offers a tangible link to the past, doesn't it? The symbols used here are cultural touchstones that resonate even now. Editor: Absolutely. It's like holding a piece of history—small, but brimming with stories.