Third-Stater of Croesus c. 560

Editor: Here we have the Third-Stater of Croesus, a tiny gold coin at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at these miniature sculptures, I’m immediately struck by their density. How would you interpret such a seemingly simple object? Curator: It’s a weighty thing, isn’t it? Imagine holding that power in your palm! These coins weren't just money, they were symbols. Croesus, King of Lydia, basically invented standardized coinage. See the lion and bull? Power and fertility, the king's might stamped into portable wealth. Do you think its size diminishes its impact? Editor: Not at all. Knowing its history makes it even more impressive. It is a reminder that great impact can come from small packages. Curator: Exactly! And sometimes the smallest things hold the greatest stories, like this little golden key to an empire’s ambition.