Tetradrachm of Alexandria under Maximian c. 296 - 297

Editor: This is a tetradrachm from Alexandria, made during the reign of Maximian. The wear really shows, and the images are striking. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the material; this coin wasn't just money, it was a carefully crafted object. The metal itself, its weight and purity, conveyed value and power. How was it produced? Think of the labor, the skill required to engrave the dies and strike each coin. Editor: So, it’s not just about the image of Maximian? Curator: Precisely. The image is propaganda, of course, but the material and manufacture also reinforce imperial authority. What does the coin's circulation tell us about trade and economic systems of the time? Editor: That puts things into perspective! Thanks for sharing those insights. Curator: My pleasure; it's about seeing beyond the surface, into the means of its creation.