Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great c. 4th century

Editor: Here we have the "Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great," a silver coin. I’m struck by how this small object once facilitated trade and power. What significance do you see in its materiality and production? Curator: The very act of minting and distributing these coins speaks volumes. Silver, a valuable material, was transformed through skilled labor into a tool of economic and political control. It shows the material underpinnings of power, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely! The imagery itself—Alexander's portrait—must have further reinforced his authority. Curator: Indeed. Consider the process: the design, the die-striking, the distribution. Each stage reflects decisions about labor, resources, and ideological messaging. It collapses the boundaries between art, craft, and political propaganda. Editor: That’s fascinating! I never considered the labor aspect so deeply. Curator: By focusing on these tangible elements, we gain a richer understanding of its role in society. What do you think? Editor: I see now how analyzing the material and means of production gives us insight into power dynamics. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Looking at the coin through a material lens gives a more grounded sense of history.