Coin of the Koinon of Thessaly c. 196

Editor: This is a coin of the Koinon of Thessaly, and I see two sides. It is heavily corroded, but it looks like there's a face on one side and a bull on the other. What kind of symbols were common on coins? Curator: The face is likely a regional deity or ruler, while the bull symbolized Thessaly's agricultural strength. These images weren't just currency; they were carriers of cultural identity. The choice to show these reflects the ideals and values this community wished to project. Editor: That's really interesting. So the symbols tell as much of a story as the words themselves? Curator: Precisely. Symbols are a language. They condense complex ideas into a single image, triggering a cultural memory. Even in its worn condition, this coin speaks volumes. Editor: I’ll never look at currency the same way again. Thanks!