Stater of Philip II of Macedonia, Pella c. 323

Curator: The Stater of Philip II of Macedonia, struck in Pella, presents a fascinating glimpse into ancient power dynamics. It's a small coin, just 8.56 grams, yet it speaks volumes. Editor: It feels so immediate and tactile. You can almost feel the weight and sheen of the gold, understand how it was circulated. Curator: Absolutely. The obverse depicts the head of Apollo, a potent symbol of Hellenic culture and divine authority, while the reverse showcases a chariot race, possibly commemorating Philip’s Olympic victories. Editor: And the race, beyond the athletic achievement, is a marker of the means available to Philip. Who did he employ to mine this gold? Who were the engravers? Curator: These images were carefully chosen to project power and legitimacy. The coin served as a tangible expression of Philip's reign. A constant reminder. Editor: And to think of all the hands this passed through! Reflecting on its original circulation invites questions about the networks of labor and exchange that sustained the empire. Curator: Precisely. This small object is a window into a world of symbolic meaning and material realities. Editor: A potent testament to the interplay between image and the means of its circulation.