Coin of Ptolemy satrap, Cyrenaica c. 300

Editor: This is a coin of Ptolemy I Soter, from Cyrenaica. It's small, a bit worn, but I find the visible portrait quite striking. What story does this coin whisper to you? Curator: It whispers of power, of course! Imagine holding authority in your palm. This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda, a tiny billboard declaring Ptolemy's legitimacy, echoing Alexander's legacy with a uniquely Ptolemaic flair. It’s a fascinating blend of ambition and artistry. What do you make of its wear? Editor: I guess the wear and tear makes it more…real. I mean, it's actually been *used*, passed from hand to hand. I hadn’t thought about the portrait as propaganda, but it makes perfect sense! Curator: Exactly! History isn't just in books, it's etched into everyday objects, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely! It's like holding a piece of someone's life.