Tetradrachm of Antiochos Hierax of Syria c. 241

Curator: Here we have a silver tetradrachm, a coin minted by Antiochos Hierax of Syria. It weighs just over 16 grams. Editor: It’s amazing, isn’t it? This little disc feels heavy with history, almost like holding a tiny, metallic echo. Curator: Indeed. On one side, we see a portrait of Antiochos himself, rendered with a clear attention to detail, capturing a sense of royal authority. Editor: And on the reverse, a figure seated—a deity, perhaps? The pose is graceful, but the whole composition feels quite still, self-contained. Curator: Yes, it’s Apollo, seated on the omphalos. Coins like these were not just currency; they were powerful statements, visual reminders of a ruler's legitimacy and reach. Editor: I imagine the artisan painstakingly engraving each die. Knowing that this coin may have passed through so many hands, witnessing untold stories…it’s quite humbling. Curator: Absolutely. It's a tangible link to a distant past, offering us glimpses into the lives and beliefs of those who came before. Editor: A little world in the palm of your hand. Something about its muted tones makes me think of whispered secrets.