Coin of Alexander III the Great, Macedonia c. 336

Curator: Up next, we have a glimpse into ancient currency: A coin of Alexander III the Great of Macedonia, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how small and worn it is, isn't it? You can barely make out the details, yet it holds such weight. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the power this small object once possessed. It wasn't just a means of exchange, but a symbol of Alexander's vast empire, of the Macedonian state, and his control over trade. Editor: You can still discern the rough shape of what seems to be a figure—probably Alexander himself—and some kind of animal on the other side. The relief is subtle, but deliberate. Curator: Indeed. These coins were circulated widely, influencing economies and political landscapes. Their imagery reinforced Alexander's authority and divine status. Editor: It's humbling to see how such a simple form, meticulously crafted, could project so much power. I see in it a reflection of form and function as one. Curator: Exactly! A tangible link to a pivotal figure and an era of conquest, trade, and lasting cultural impact. Editor: A small token representing big ambitions. I wonder how many hands it passed through.