Coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, Sebaste c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, Sebaste. Editor: It's a humble thing, isn't it? Patinaed and worn, yet it holds an imposing profile. Curator: The artist, Antiochos IV Epiphanes, rendered it in bronze. Note the incised portrait on one side and the figure, likely a deity, on the other. Editor: It makes you consider the economy that put it into circulation. Who handled it? What goods were exchanged? This little disc touched countless lives. Curator: Indeed, and its form speaks to the ruler's effort to disseminate his image, his power, to even the most remote corners of his realm. Editor: Ultimately, it is a tangible symbol of labor, commerce, and the ever-present reach of authority. Curator: Precisely, the artistic merit lies in its ability to transcend mere currency and become a potent symbol. Editor: A reminder that even the smallest artifacts can embody colossal histories.