Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 295

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse," made by Agathokles himself. It’s a small bronze disc, worn smooth with age. It makes me wonder, what stories could this coin tell? What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, a whisper from antiquity! For me, it’s a tangible link to power, isn't it? A tyrant's self-image, literally stamped for mass consumption. I see the eagle of Zeus on one side, a symbol of authority, maybe even a touch of divine endorsement. Editor: So, it's propaganda, in a way? Curator: Precisely! Coinage was often the original social media. It's fascinating to think about how this tiny object shaped perceptions of Agathokles. I wonder how many hands it passed through… Editor: I never thought of a coin having so much to say! Curator: Exactly, each scratch and fade is a testament to time itself.