Stater of Seleucus I c. 312

Curator: This stater of Seleucus I, now in the Harvard Art Museums, provides a fascinating glimpse into the Hellenistic period. Editor: It's incredible how such a small object, weighing just over 15 grams, can feel so monumental. The low relief gives it a solemn, weighty presence. Curator: Absolutely. One side depicts Zeus seated on a throne, a symbol of power and authority, while the other features a lion, often associated with royalty and Seleucus I himself. These are not just images, but ideological statements. Editor: The execution is quite masterful. The composition, even in such a small field, is balanced, guiding the eye. The lion, especially, has a palpable sense of contained energy. Curator: And that lion, along with Zeus, would have resonated deeply within Seleucus's multicultural empire, communicating strength and divine favor to diverse populations. Editor: Indeed, analyzing its visual language offers so much insight. Curator: It does. This coin reveals so much about how power and identity were constructed and disseminated in the ancient world. Editor: It's a testament to the power of art. Even in miniature, it can carry enormous cultural weight.