Plated Tetradrachm of Mausolos of Caria c. 377

Editor: This is a Plated Tetradrachm of Mausolos of Caria. It looks quite worn, but I'm still struck by its heft and how it must have circulated. What can you tell me about its cultural significance? Curator: Coins weren’t just currency. They were potent tools of propaganda, especially in the hands of rulers like Mausolos. This coin, though worn, reflects the power he wished to project: Hellenistic imagery adopted to legitimize local rule. What do you notice about the imagery itself? Editor: I can make out a face and what looks like a figure. Was it common for rulers to put themselves on coins? Curator: Absolutely. Displaying a ruler's likeness was a direct way to connect with the populace, a visual assertion of authority. The use of Greek artistic conventions also tied Mausolos to a broader, prestigious cultural sphere. How does understanding this context change your initial reaction? Editor: It makes me consider the power of visual messaging, even on something as small as a coin. Curator: Precisely. Mausolos wasn't just making money; he was crafting an image, shaping his legacy, and participating in a larger visual dialogue across the ancient world.