Tetradrachm of Lysimachos from Sardis c. 297

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Lysimachos from Sardis, it's a silver coin. The wear and tear over time really strikes me. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The coin's material and its production tell a story. Silver, though precious, was a means of exchange tied to labor and resources. Consider the social context: Who controlled the mines, and who benefited from this currency? Editor: That's interesting, I never considered the production of money that way. Curator: It challenges our perception of value. Is it art, or a commodity shaped by power dynamics and the materiality of its making? The imagery itself becomes part of the narrative of control and consumption. Editor: I suppose it's both. Thanks for your insights. Curator: My pleasure. Examining art through the lens of its material production allows for a richer understanding of its role in society.