Tetradrachm of Agathokles,Tyrant of Syracuse c. 305

Editor: This is a silver tetradrachm of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse. Seeing the coin now, I’m struck by how much information is conveyed on such a small object. What do you see in this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I see the coin as evidence of the economic and social systems in place at the time. The labor involved in mining, refining, and striking the silver, the control of its distribution, and its use as a tool for trade and taxation, all point to the power dynamics of Agathokles's rule. Editor: So, it’s more than just a pretty face and figures; it represents a whole system? Curator: Precisely! The coin's very existence reveals the network of resources, labor, and power. Considering the weight and purity of the silver also suggests the control Agathokles wielded over Syracuse's economy. It really makes you think about the relationship between art and power. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I can see how studying the material provides a deeper understanding of its history.