Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Gallienus c. 267 - 268

Curator: Here we have a tetradrachm from Alexandria under Gallienus, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Its 9.2 grams represent more than just its weight; it's a record of imperial power. Editor: It feels heavy somehow, doesn't it? Not just in weight, but in history. The patina almost seems to whisper stories of trade routes and emperors long gone. Curator: Precisely. The coin's production illuminates the complex economic structures of Roman Egypt. Minting processes, metal acquisition, and the labor involved all paint a picture of material culture. Editor: And the artistry! The worn profile of Gallienus himself, that fierce eagle... It's a tangible link to a human story, a fallen empire. I can almost feel the hand that struck it. Curator: The coin also challenges modern art hierarchies. Is it "art" or simply currency? This distinction becomes blurred when you consider the craftsmanship and the political messaging imbued within the design. Editor: I see it now; this small object contains multitudes. It's a portal, of sorts, offering insights into a whole world of power dynamics, artistry, and human stories condensed into a single coin.