Coin of Agathokles of Syracuse c. 295

Editor: This is a coin of Agathokles of Syracuse, and it’s so small! I'm struck by how much information they managed to fit on such a tiny surface. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Well, consider this coin not just as currency, but as propaganda. Agathokles, a ruler in a tumultuous period, used imagery to legitimize his power. The symbols, even the portrait, were carefully chosen to project authority and connection to divine power. Do you think that impacts how we view the “art” of the coin? Editor: That's fascinating. It shifts my perspective; it’s not just an artifact, but a statement of power. Curator: Exactly. Coins like these were some of the earliest forms of mass communication. The artistry is inseparable from its political purpose. Editor: So it's a blend of art and political messaging? I’ll never look at old coins the same way. Curator: Precisely!