Drachm of Demetrios Poliorketes, Tarsos c. 298

Curator: Here we have a Drachm of Demetrios Poliorketes, produced in Tarsos. Note the silver material and the weight of about 4 grams. What do you make of it? Editor: The stark silver against the dark background gives it such dramatic weight, even in this small form. The figures seem to be leaping forward. Curator: Indeed. Demetrios I, known for his military prowess, issued coins like this to broadcast his power and divine associations. The figure you see is Poseidon, god of the sea. Editor: The crisp lines and the muscular depiction give it such a sense of Hellenistic dynamism. Curator: Coinage served as propaganda. This piece visually links Demetrios to Poseidon, an essential message for a ruler aiming to control maritime regions. Editor: It's remarkable how much meaning is compressed into such a small object. I'm struck by its ability to convey strength through simple visual forms. Curator: It's a small thing, but powerful in its time.