Twenty-fourth Stater of Pixodaros, Satrap of Caria c. 340

Editor: This is the Twenty-fourth Stater of Pixodaros, Satrap of Caria, a tiny gold coin at the Harvard Art Museums. It's amazing how something so small could hold so much power! What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This coin offers us a fascinating glimpse into the politics of imagery in the late Classical period. Consider the act of Pixodaros, a regional ruler, commissioning his own coinage. What does that tell you about his ambitions and the power dynamics of the time? Editor: It sounds like a statement of independence, maybe even defiance. Curator: Precisely! Coinage was not just about money; it was a powerful tool for projecting authority and legitimizing rule. The imagery chosen, likely Pixodaros himself, was carefully considered to convey a specific message. Can you see how this tiny object served a very public, political role? Editor: Definitely. It's a reminder that even the smallest artifacts can tell big stories about power and identity. Curator: Exactly. It's fascinating how objects like this reshape our understanding of history.