Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Probus c. 278 - 279

Editor: This is the Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Probus, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is how much symbolic weight is packed into such a small object. What stands out to you? Curator: The coin, though small, serves as a potent vessel for projecting power. Note the laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and imperial authority, meticulously etched on Probus's profile. What emotional associations do you think this imagery would evoke? Editor: It probably gave people a sense of stability. Like, "Okay, we have a strong leader." Curator: Precisely. The imagery is designed to instill confidence and legitimize rule. Do you see how such symbols transcend mere representation, shaping perceptions and solidifying cultural memory? Editor: Definitely. I never thought a coin could tell such a complex story. Curator: Each symbol whispers volumes about the past. Understanding these visual cues allows us to unlock the layered narratives embedded within.