Tetradrachm of Seleukos I, Seleukeia on Tigris c. 300

Curator: This is a tetradrachm, a silver coin, of Seleukos I, founder of the Seleucid Empire, minted in Seleukeia on the Tigris. Editor: The images feel weighty, solid, and yet worn by time. I wonder what hands this coin passed through, what transactions it facilitated? Curator: Coins were powerful symbols. The portrait is likely of Alexander the Great, a reference to Seleukos's own power and legitimacy, echoing the legacy of conquest. Editor: Absolutely. It's about establishing lineage and authority. The seated Zeus on the reverse, holding an eagle, is a clear declaration of divine right and sovereign power. Curator: The eagle represents kingship and divinity. Remember that Zeus, king of the gods, was often associated with eagles. The symbolism offers a direct link to this mythology. Editor: Yes, it’s a controlled narrative—currency as propaganda. It makes you wonder how marginalized communities perceived these symbols of imperial power. Curator: These symbols served to unify a vast and diverse empire. It is an interesting look into the cultural memory as well as continuity through symbols. Editor: Ultimately, this coin speaks volumes about power, representation, and the enduring legacy of empires—legacies we continue to grapple with today.