Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Amphipolis c. 315

Curator: This is a silver tetradrachm, a coin depicting Alexander the Great, likely minted during his reign. It's a small object, but dense with symbolic meaning. Editor: It looks so worn, but there’s something powerful about it. To hold something that passed through so many hands, representing power and trade… Curator: Indeed. On one side, we see a profile of Alexander, deified with the horns of Ammon. The other displays Zeus seated on a throne, holding an eagle. Notice the crispness of line and the deliberate placement of these archetypes. Editor: The coin is more than just currency; it is a propaganda piece legitimizing Alexander’s rule and showcasing the divine sanction he claimed. It’s a claim that reverberates through history. Curator: It’s a beautiful example of form and function, and a chance to examine a pivotal historical figure. Editor: Absolutely, and a potent reminder that even small objects can carry immense weight.