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

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II Gothicus, though the exact date is unknown. It feels weighty, historically. What do you make of it? Curator: Coins like this were powerful propaganda tools. Claudius Gothicus, though a short-reigned emperor, needed to project authority. How do you think the imagery on this coin would have functioned within Roman society? Editor: Maybe it was about creating a sense of stability during uncertain times, reminding people of the emperor's power? Curator: Precisely. The coin would circulate, reinforcing the emperor's image and, by extension, the Roman state itself. It's a constant, subtle form of political messaging. Editor: It’s interesting to think about how something so small could have such a big impact on public perception. Curator: Absolutely! Examining art like this coin reveals so much about power, representation, and daily life in the Roman world.