Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 289 - 290

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, dating back to the reign of Diocletian. It's fascinating how even something as small as this coin, weighing just over 5 grams, can tell us so much. Editor: It does seem like a humble little portal into a grand, vanished world, doesn’t it? I’m immediately struck by how worn it looks—like holding a tiny piece of ancient grit. Curator: Precisely. On one side, you can make out Diocletian's profile, while the other depicts figures who seem to embody the power and authority of the Roman Empire in Egypt. Editor: I imagine that the coin was intended to be more than just a means of transaction; a miniature propaganda piece meant to instill respect or even awe for the emperor. But all I can see now is time. Curator: Absolutely. Its worn details don't diminish its importance. It's an enduring symbol of trade, power, and cultural exchange in the ancient world. Editor: More than a symbol, it’s a tangible relic, and you can't help but wonder who held this and what stories it could tell about their lives. Curator: It's a powerful thought, isn't it? This tiny coin, a vessel brimming with history. Editor: Indeed. It reminds me that even the smallest objects can hold the grandest stories.