Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Lampsakos c. 328

Curator: This is a silver tetradrachm, created to honor Alexander the Great in Lampsakos. The imagery and its circulation invite us to consider the construction of power and legacy. Editor: Its worn surface and the bas-relief give it a ghostly feel. The figure almost seems to emerge from a dream, hinting at an idealized and perhaps unattainable past. Curator: Exactly. The depiction of Zeus, holding an eagle, isn’t merely about religious iconography; it's about associating Alexander with divine authority, legitimizing his rule through established symbolic systems. Editor: The eagle is potent. It symbolizes power and dominion, speaking directly to Alexander’s imperial ambitions and his cultural impact that still resonates today. Curator: The coin’s materiality itself—silver, a valuable commodity—further underscores the intertwined nature of political authority and economic control during this era. Editor: Seeing such iconic symbols flattened onto a coin gives pause. It distills complex narratives to a pocket-sized object, a constant reminder of authority. Curator: Indeed. It highlights how power operates—through circulating narratives, material culture, and enduring symbols. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how such a small artifact encapsulates so much history and meaning.