Drachm of Alexander III from Magnesia ad Meandrum c. 305

Curator: Here we have a Drachm of Alexander III from Magnesia ad Meandrum, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Its worn silver surface hints at a weighty past, and the details, though softened, are still striking. Curator: Absolutely. These coins weren't just currency; they were potent symbols of Alexander's reign, disseminating his image and power across vast territories. Editor: The craftsmanship, especially considering the scale, is remarkable. Note the flowing hair, the determined profile. It's designed to project authority. Curator: Indeed, and the presence of Zeus on the reverse reinforces this connection to divine power. It legitimizes Alexander's rule in the eyes of the people. Editor: Even now, millennia later, the coin's composition—the balance of figure and symbol—still communicates the intended message of strength and enduring legacy. Curator: A tangible piece of history then, revealing the complex interplay of economics, politics, and personal ambition. Editor: A small object holding such vast artistic and historical significance.