Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 285 - 286

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian. It's incredible how this coin, despite its age, retains such clear imagery. What strikes you when you examine its composition? Curator: The coin presents a fascinating study in relief. The incuse portraits, rendered with precision, demonstrate the engraver’s mastery. Note also the die axis, a crucial element in numismatic analysis. Editor: So, the relationship between the two sides is significant? Curator: Precisely. The alignment and the varying depths of the impressions invite us to consider the artist's choices in imbuing the coin with meaning, through form and structured relation.