Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Diocletian c. 287 - 288

Editor: So this is a tetradrachm from Alexandria, minted under Diocletian. It looks so small and worn, yet it must have held such value. What do you see in it? Curator: I see an object deeply embedded in the political landscape of the late Roman Empire. Coinage wasn't just currency; it was a form of propaganda. How does Diocletian use it to portray himself? Editor: I guess the portrait would be important, but it's hard to make out. Curator: Exactly. The degradation speaks volumes. It reflects the tensions of power, the control of imagery, and how even the most official representations can erode over time. What do you think? Editor: It is fascinating how the coin, in its current state, can reveal just as much, if not more, about the past. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how the value and meaning of art objects shift according to their cultural and historical context.