Hemidrachm of the Arcadian League, Megalopolis c. 340

Curator: Here we have a Hemidrachm of the Arcadian League, struck in Megalopolis. Editor: It looks so unassuming, yet carries the weight of a whole society. The worn surface gives it a mournful feeling. Curator: Indeed. This coin represents a specific moment, reflecting the federal coinage of the Arcadian League, a political alliance formed in ancient Greece. Editor: What does it tell us about Arcadian identity and power dynamics? Was this shared currency a step towards unity or just another tool for elite control? Curator: It's a complex interplay. The coin’s imagery would have served as a constant visual reminder of the League's aims, fostering a sense of shared identity. Editor: Even economic systems have symbolic power. This piece is a poignant reminder that even small objects can be powerful cultural and political statements. Curator: Absolutely, it makes you consider the narratives that are embedded within this small metallic sphere. Editor: It's humbling to hold history in your hand like this.