Stater of Philip III of Macedonia, 'Babylon' c. 323

Curator: Today we're looking at a Stater of Philip III of Macedonia, minted in Babylon. Editor: Whoa, it's intensely golden, like holding sunlight in your palm. So small, but it feels weighty somehow. Curator: It is quite striking. As currency, this piece offers insight into Macedonian trade and power projection across their vast empire. Editor: I see a helmeted head on one side, very stoic. The other side has this winged figure, a Nike perhaps? She looks like she’s dancing or mid-flight. Curator: Indeed, the helmeted head likely represents a deified Alexander the Great, while the figure is most probably Nike, the goddess of victory, as you said. Its imagery aimed to legitimize Philip's rule following Alexander’s death. Editor: So, it's propaganda, but, like, pocket-sized, super shiny propaganda. Curator: In a way, yes. It's a fascinating artifact that speaks volumes about political maneuvering and cultural symbolism. Editor: All that history pressed onto something so small, it's mind-boggling. Like a tiny time capsule.