Twelve-and-a-Half Litrae of Agathokles,Tyrant of Syracuse c. 310

Editor: This is "Twelve-and-a-Half Litrae of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse," a coin of about 1.83 grams. It's incredible to think of the artistry and labor involved in something so small! What does its materiality tell us? Curator: The coin's gold composition speaks volumes. It highlights the economic power and access to resources Agathokles commanded. Consider the mining, refining, and skilled craftsmanship required. What does it mean to have a leader’s effigy rendered in precious metal? Editor: It definitely emphasizes wealth, but also control over labor. I hadn't thought about the process so deeply. Curator: Exactly! By focusing on the coin's production, we move beyond simple aesthetics. It offers a glimpse into ancient social structures and the systems of power at play. Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. I’ll definitely look at art through that lens from now on.