Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Tacitus c. 275 - 276

Editor: So, this is a Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Tacitus, attributed to Tacitus himself, at the Harvard Art Museums. Its aged green is quite striking. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: Well, it’s fascinating to consider how this coin functioned within the socio-political landscape of Roman Egypt. Currency wasn’t just about monetary value; it was a form of imperial propaganda. How do you think an image of the emperor Tacitus circulating in Alexandria would have shaped public perception of Roman rule? Editor: I hadn't thought of that. It's like a mini-billboard of power. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! It reveals the intersection of economics, power, and visual culture in the Roman world.