Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Philip I c. 247 - 248

Editor: Here we see a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Philip I. Seeing this coin, I am struck by the way that time and wear have shaped its surface. What stands out to you when you look at it? Curator: Considering its production, we must acknowledge the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking the metal. Each stage reflects choices about resource allocation and the imposition of imperial power through material control. How does understanding the coin's materiality shift our perception of it as mere currency? Editor: So, it's not just about the image, but the process that makes it significant. I hadn't considered the physical labor involved. Thanks!