Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Gallienus c. 267 - 268

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Gallienus. It's a coin and it looks like it is made of metal. I'm interested in the corrosion and wear. What can we learn from how this object was made and circulated? Curator: This coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the political economy of the Roman Empire. Think about the labor involved in mining, smelting, and minting. The materials, likely bronze or copper, and their sourcing also tell a story. Editor: So the value isn't just what it represents, but how it was made? Curator: Precisely! Who controlled the resources and production? How was this coin used in trade and taxation, and by whom? These are material questions that reveal power dynamics. Editor: I never thought of a coin as a record of labor and resources. Thanks! Curator: Understanding its materiality opens up a whole new way to view ancient history.