Coin of Antiochos I Soter of Syria, Antioch c. 281

Curator: Looking at this small artifact, the "Coin of Antiochos I Soter of Syria, Antioch," I'm struck by the artistry involved in minting currency. The material itself—bronze—speaks to its value and purpose as a medium of exchange. Editor: It’s humble but impressive. The condition, despite the coin's age, reveals quite a bit about the society that produced it. It illustrates the wealth and the power structures of the time. Curator: Precisely. The deliberate choice of imagery, like the elephant, speaks to the social power projected, referencing military strength and royal authority within the Seleucid Empire. Editor: Also, the production of such coins often involved intricate labor practices. The metalworking, the engraving... it all reflects on the material culture of Antioch. Curator: A key reminder that even the smallest objects can reveal much about the production methods of a culture, and how power and authority are communicated. Editor: Exactly! A small object with big historical weight.