Stater of Alexander the Great, Uncertain Greece or Macedonia Mint c. 310

Editor: Here we have a gold stater of Alexander the Great. The details are incredible, especially considering its size! What strikes you about this coin? Curator: The gold itself is key. Its value dictated trade, power, and consumption. How was this object circulated, and what kind of labor was required to extract and mint it? Editor: That’s fascinating! I hadn't considered the labor aspect. So, it's more than just currency; it's a record of resource extraction and human effort. Curator: Precisely! We often overlook the processes behind even the smallest artifacts. Understanding that labor informs how we perceive its value. Editor: Thanks! I'll definitely look at art differently now, considering the whole production chain.