tetradrachm of Cleopatra VII of Egypt 40 - 39 BCE

Editor: So, this is a tetradrachm, a coin, of Cleopatra VII. It’s amazing to think she herself was the artist! It looks like it's been through a lot. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, imagine holding history in your hand. It is scratched, weathered, but it carries the weight of an empire. I see a ruler who understood the power of her image. She's not just beautiful, she’s projecting power, isn't she? Editor: Absolutely. It's more than just currency, it’s propaganda. Curator: Precisely! Makes you wonder what stories this coin could tell, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely gives a whole new appreciation for what "art" can be.