Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Tacitus c. 275 - 276

Curator: This is a tetradrachm from Alexandria, minted under the reign of Tacitus. Editor: Immediately, the worn surface speaks volumes about its journey through time and human exchange. You can almost feel the stories embedded within the material. Curator: Indeed. The portrait of Tacitus on one side, and a figure, likely a representation of Alexandria, on the other, carry significant symbolic weight. The figure holds a balance, a traditional symbol of justice and balance, both essential for a prosperous reign. Editor: And let’s not forget the act of minting itself. Consider the labor, the socio-economic systems that supported its production, and how this one coin facilitated trade and power. Curator: Absolutely. It's fascinating how such a small object encapsulates an entire era, reflecting both the emperor's authority and the city's aspirations. Editor: Seeing how worn it is, makes me wonder about the hands it passed through, the marketplaces it facilitated, and the stories it silently witnessed. Curator: It really does bridge the gap between the abstract concept of history and the tangible reality of lived experience. Editor: A poignant reminder of how materials are imbued with layers of social meaning.