Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Gallienus c. 265 - 266

Curator: Here we have a tetradrachm of Alexandria, issued under the rule of Gallienus. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the coin's worn surface, yet the relief of the portrait and figure remain quite legible. Curator: Indeed, the portrait is Gallienus himself, radiating authority even through time. On the reverse, we see a figure, likely a representation of a deity, holding what appears to be a scepter or staff. Editor: The figure's stance, combined with the inscription, lends a certain weight to the composition. It's a potent symbol of power and divine right, captured in a small object. Curator: These coins were not merely currency; they were propaganda, reinforcing the emperor's image and legitimacy throughout the empire. Its imagery would have resonated deeply with the people. Editor: It's remarkable how a single object can encapsulate so much history and visual language. Curator: Absolutely, a tiny window into the past.