Coin of Antiochos Hierax of Syria, Sardis c. 241

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Antiochos Hierax of Syria, from Sardis. The wear really emphasizes the age and the material itself. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to the material as a product of its time. Consider the labor involved in mining, smelting, and striking this coin. It speaks volumes about the economic and social systems of the period. Editor: So it's less about the ruler depicted, and more about the coin's function? Curator: Precisely. It's a tangible representation of power structures and trade routes. The very composition of the alloy tells a story. I wonder what elements went into it and who controlled those resources? Editor: That's a fascinating perspective. I never considered the materiality so deeply.