Hemidrachm of the Chalkidian League, Olynthos c. 432

Editor: This is a Hemidrachm of the Chalkidian League from Olynthos. It's quite small, made of silver, and features a head in profile on one side and a lyre on the other. What strikes me is how these tiny objects served as both currency and expressions of cultural identity. How do you interpret the symbolism at play here? Curator: The lyre, of course, symbolizes music and culture, but consider the broader context. Olynthos, a member of the Chalkidian League, was eventually destroyed for challenging Macedonian power. Isn't it poignant that this instrument, a symbol of harmony, is imprinted on a coin representing a society that ultimately faced such discord and oppression? Editor: That's a powerful way to look at it! So the coin isn't just about trade, it's about resistance, in a way? Curator: Exactly. It’s a reminder that even everyday objects can carry complex narratives of power, resistance, and cultural identity. Editor: I'll definitely remember that next time I look at ancient art.