Coin of Metropolis, Ionia under Philip II c. 247 - 249

Editor: Here we have a coin from Metropolis, Ionia, issued under Philip II. Its worn surface whispers stories of its age. What can we learn from its materiality? Curator: Look closely at the wear. Each imperfection speaks to its journey through trade networks, pockets, and power structures. The coin’s value wasn't just monetary; it represented Philip's authority, disseminated through the labor of its creation. What can that tell us about the social context of its production? Editor: So, it’s not just metal, but a record of economic and social exchange? Curator: Precisely. The very act of minting and circulation reveals so much about the society that produced it. It is a material testament to economic and political systems. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way before!