Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Claudius II c. 269 - 270

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria, attributed to Claudius II Gothicus. It's quite corroded, but you can still make out the imperial portrait. What can you tell us about its place in history? Curator: Coins like this were tools of propaganda. Consider how this image of Claudius II, likely circulated widely, shaped public perception during a time of political instability and military campaigns. Editor: So, beyond currency, it's a statement? Curator: Precisely. Think of it as a portable, reproducible endorsement of imperial power, reinforcing loyalty and disseminating a specific narrative about the emperor. These were powerful visual tools. Editor: It's fascinating to think about coins as media. I'll definitely look at historical artifacts differently now. Curator: Indeed, considering the socio-political context gives even the smallest objects immense significance.