Tetradrachm of Agathokles,Tyrant of Syracuse c. 310

Curator: This is a silver Tetradrachm of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin weighs approximately 16.78 grams. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: It feels surprisingly weighty for such a small object, and the silver has aged beautifully, lending a sense of history and tangible connection to the past. Curator: Indeed, it's a powerful object. Agathokles's reign was marked by constant warfare and political maneuvering. This coin served not only as currency but also as propaganda, projecting an image of power and legitimacy. Editor: The process of minting these coins, the labor involved in extracting the silver, the artistry of the die engravers—these all contribute to its multifaceted value. It speaks volumes about the social dynamics of the era. Curator: Exactly. The imagery, the goddess Nike crowning Agathokles’s chariot, reinforces his divine right to rule and his military prowess within the cultural narratives of ancient Greece. Editor: Looking at the wear, the scratches, it’s incredible to think how many hands this passed through, the transactions it facilitated, the lives it touched. Curator: It's a compelling reminder of the complex interplay between material culture, identity, and power. Editor: Absolutely, a small coin, a vast history.