Coin of Seleukos II, Ecbatana c. 246

Editor: This is a coin of Seleukos II, produced in Ecbatana. It's amazing to think about who might have held this coin, and what it represents about power and trade. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This coin wasn't just currency; it was propaganda. Notice the ruler's portrait and the imagery of power on the reverse. How might Seleukos II have used these images to legitimize his rule in a diverse and sometimes resistant empire? Editor: So, the coin is speaking to a specific audience? Curator: Precisely. Coins were among the most widely circulated art forms of the ancient world, a tool used by rulers to communicate directly with their subjects. Consider its weight and size. How did this affect its accessibility and impact? Editor: That's a great point. It makes me think differently about the role of art in everyday life. Curator: Exactly! This coin shows us how art can be a powerful tool of political and social messaging.