Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Probus c. 279 - 280

Curator: This is a tetradrachm minted in Alexandria during the reign of Emperor Probus. The imagery on these coins, regardless of who is in power, reflects a deep sense of Alexandrian identity. Editor: My first thought is that this small object carries so much weight. The copper is heavily patinated, telling its age through touch, through material degradation. Curator: Absolutely. The figure on the reverse is likely Serapis, a syncretic deity combining Greek and Egyptian attributes. He represents abundance and resurrection, vital concepts for the Alexandrian people. Editor: And that's the point, isn't it? Labor and material processes put these beliefs into circulation, quite literally. Consider the act of striking this coin, the value placed upon it. Curator: Indeed. These symbols were a language, one meant to resonate with a diverse population, connecting them to a shared past and a hopeful future under Roman rule. Editor: The coin has traveled through time and, despite wear, still invites us to contemplate the power of materials shaped by labor and imbued with cultural meaning. Curator: A potent reminder that symbols outlive empires. Editor: Yes, quite. The hands that touched it, the metal itself… a fascinating glimpse into the past.