Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 317

Editor: This is a coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse. The wear and darkness of the metal give it a sense of antiquity. What symbolic weight did images on coins carry in ancient times? Curator: The act of placing an image on currency was a potent declaration. In this instance, Agathokles, a man who seized power, uses the imagery to legitimize his rule. Do you see what figures are represented? Editor: There seems to be a portrait of a woman on one side, and maybe a lion or some sort of animal on the other? Curator: Precisely! The female figure is likely Arethusa, a local nymph connected to Syracuse, while the lion connects Agathokles to Herakles. He is visually aligning himself with local deities and legendary heroes. Editor: It's fascinating to realize that every image was consciously selected to communicate power and identity. Curator: Indeed. This coin is more than just currency; it's a carefully constructed message from the past.