Coin of Philip V of Macedonia c. 221

Editor: This is a coin of Philip V of Macedonia. It’s small, metallic, and has aged to a beautiful teal color. What strikes me is how this little object once held so much power and influence. How should we interpret this coin today? Curator: A coin like this served as propaganda. The imagery, likely chosen or approved by Philip V himself, communicated a specific message about his rule and Macedonian identity. Who was he trying to reach, and what was he trying to say? Editor: Presumably, his own people and maybe rival kingdoms? Perhaps the horse represents military strength? Curator: Exactly. Currency isn't just about economic exchange; it's a visual declaration of power, a portable monument to a ruler's ambitions, always shaped by the socio-political landscape of its time. Editor: I’ve never thought of money as art before, but seeing it as a tool for political messaging makes perfect sense!