Hemilitron of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 310

Curator: Here we have a Hemilitron of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is how worn down this coin looks, but the imagery still remains quite vibrant. Curator: The coin's creation and circulation reveal much about the political economy of Syracuse under Agathokles. Minting coins was a means of exerting control. Editor: The imagery, likely chosen by Agathokles himself, would have been instantly recognizable, reinforcing his power through symbolic association. Do you recognize what the images represent? Curator: The exact imagery is difficult to discern with the naked eye, but its function is a matter of fact, not interpretation. Editor: True, but deciphering the symbolism gives us a glimpse into how Agathokles wanted to be perceived, what ideals he wished to promote. Even a heavily worn coin still speaks volumes. Curator: And that speaks to the resilience of material culture; the fact that even something so small can endure and carry so much information about its time is remarkable. Editor: Indeed; a small, weighty piece of the past.