Tetrobol of Perdikkas II of Macedonia c. 443

Curator: This small, silver coin is a tetrobol of Perdikkas II of Macedonia. Editor: It looks so worn, yet the images are still legible. I find the pairing of the horse and lion rather striking. Curator: It's remarkable, isn't it? The coin provides insight into the iconography used by Macedonian rulers to project power and authority. Horses were symbols of wealth and aristocracy, while the lion embodies strength. Editor: How fascinating that this small object could communicate so much about the ruler's desired image and the values of the society. It also speaks to the economic systems in place and how they legitimized these symbols. Curator: Indeed. Currency literally embodies power. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way before. It's a good reminder to question the narratives that coins—and all images of power—present to us.