Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Side c. 325

Curator: Here we have a tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, minted in Side. Weighing in at just over 17 grams, it's a tangible link to a pivotal figure in ancient history. Editor: It feels weighty, not just in grams, but in presence. The portrait is so lifelike, almost melancholic, and then the reverse features, who is that? Curator: That is Zeus, holding an eagle, a symbol of power. It is fascinating how these images, intended to project authority, also reveal the complex power dynamics of the Hellenistic world. Editor: Right. And that eagle almost seems ready to take flight, which makes me wonder, was Alexander trying to give Zeus a promotion? Curator: Perhaps! Or rather, aligning himself with divine authority. These coins circulated widely, acting as propaganda, reinforcing Alexander's image as a divinely sanctioned ruler. Editor: I see a real tension here between myth and message. The images feel so crafted, but the wear and tear, the slight imperfections from striking, hint at the reality of everyday use, of hands exchanging power. Curator: Precisely. It shows that even symbols of authority are subject to the passage of time and the realities of economic exchange. Editor: I'll definitely be thinking about who held it last! Curator: Indeed, a compelling artifact that blends history, politics, and artistry.