Drachm of Antiochos I Soter of Syria c. 280

Editor: This is a Drachm of Antiochos I Soter of Syria. It's quite small and the details are worn, but I can still make out a face on one side and some sort of figure on the other. What kind of imagery was typically used on coins like these? Curator: Coins are fascinating time capsules. The imagery isn't just decorative, it’s a language of power and identity. Notice the diademed head of Antiochos; it’s a deliberate echo of Alexander the Great, associating Antiochos with that legacy. The seated Apollo on the reverse, what does that evoke for you? Editor: Well, Apollo is associated with light, music, and healing, so maybe the coin is suggesting that Antiochos is a bringer of those things? Curator: Precisely! And consider that coins circulated widely. This wasn't just money; it was a portable piece of propaganda, constantly reinforcing the ruler's image and aspirations throughout the kingdom. It is a powerful symbol. Editor: That's so interesting! I never thought about coins being used to convey cultural messages back then. Curator: Indeed. Every image, every choice, was imbued with meaning, shaping perceptions of power and culture.