Tetradrachm of Antigonus III Doson of Macedonia c. 227

Curator: Isn't it wild to think something so tiny, just 16.76 grams, could carry so much history? This is a tetradrachm, a coin from the reign of Antigonus III Doson of Macedonia. Editor: It's striking how intimate it feels. The size draws you in. You've got this weathered silver surface whispering tales, contrasting the stern portrait on one side. Curator: Ah, that portrait! Some believe it's Poseidon, others suggest it's actually Doson himself, subtly deified. Either way, it speaks to power, to control. Editor: Yes, but what kind of power? Look at the other side: a seated figure, perhaps a victorious athlete. It's a celebration of physical prowess, but within a very controlled, hierarchical system. Curator: I like how you see that, it's about creating a legacy, crafting a specific image for posterity. Editor: It all boils down to manipulating symbols for a narrative of dominance, doesn't it? The coin as propaganda, a pocket-sized monument. Curator: Exactly. Editor: Looking at it now, I feel a sense of distance, yet still, it whispers secrets about power and representation. Curator: Agreed. It serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained these systems are, how art and power always dance together.