Stater of Alexander the Great, Uncertain East c. 325

Editor: Here we have a gold stater of Alexander the Great. It’s so small but carries such weight. I’m curious, what does this coin tell us about the society that made it? Curator: Well, this wasn't just money; it was propaganda. Depicting Alexander, even symbolically, connects him to divine power, legitimizing his rule across a vast, culturally diverse empire. The image of Athena, and then Nike on the reverse, reinforces the ideals of military strength and victory under his leadership. Editor: So it's less about economics and more about power? Curator: Precisely. Consider who controlled minting: it was Alexander. He strategically used coinage to disseminate a specific image of himself and his reign, reaching even the most remote corners of his territory. It’s all about controlling the narrative. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about, how an object so small could wield so much cultural influence. Curator: Exactly! It highlights how art is often deeply intertwined with political and social agendas.