Tetradrachm of Antiochos IX Kyzikenos of Syria, Tarsos c. 110

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Antiochos IX Kyzikenos of Syria, from Tarsos. What strikes me is the tactile quality of the silver, it's clearly been handled. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin is more than just currency; it’s a material record of power. The minting process itself, the labor involved, and the control over the silver supply all speak to the king's authority and economic stability. Editor: So the coin's value lies in its production as well as its face value? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the image, likely a carefully crafted die, was impressed onto the metal. The repetitive striking was a deliberate act of disseminating the ruler's image and message to a broad audience. Editor: I see, it's like mass media! I hadn't thought about the social impact of that before. Curator: Exactly. And what does that tell you about who had access to this "media" and what they did with it? Editor: It's fascinating to think of art as a byproduct of material production and consumption, rather than just aesthetics. Curator: Indeed, focusing on the coin’s materiality reveals a complex network of power, labor, and exchange in ancient Syria.