Coin of Philip V of Macedon c. 185

Editor: Here we have a coin of Philip V of Macedon. It’s small and worn, but incredibly evocative. What do you see in this piece beyond just an old coin? Curator: I see a potent symbol of power and identity. Coins are not just currency; they are propaganda tools. The imagery chosen, the ruler’s portrait, the inscriptions—all communicate a specific message about the ruler and their kingdom. Editor: Propaganda? How so? Curator: Consider the context: Philip V was maneuvering through a turbulent period, facing Roman expansion. This coin likely served to assert his authority, visually linking him to Macedonian heritage and perhaps divine right. Who controlled the narrative then? Editor: It’s fascinating to think about how something so small could carry so much weight. Curator: Indeed. Examining such objects allows us to engage with how power was negotiated and represented in the ancient world, and how such visual strategies continue to resonate today.