Stater of Alexander the Great, Abydos c. 323

Curator: Today we're looking at a gold Stater of Alexander the Great from Abydos, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking, isn’t it? That lustrous gold—it feels less like currency and more like holding raw power in your hand. Curator: Indeed. These coins, though unsigned, were issued under Alexander's authority. One side depicts Athena wearing a Corinthian helmet, while the other features Nike, the goddess of victory. Editor: Athena's helmet is particularly interesting. Its presence symbolizes not just military prowess but also civic identity, the intellectual strength of the polis. It's a potent merging of war and wisdom. Curator: And, of course, these coins served as vital tools for funding Alexander's military campaigns, enabling the spread of Hellenistic culture. Editor: Absolutely, but they were also instruments of cultural propaganda, projecting the image of a divinely sanctioned, invincible leader across newly conquered lands. Curator: I find it remarkable how much symbolism can be packed into such a tiny, precious object. Editor: Exactly. It reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can carry immense weight, reflecting complex power dynamics and cultural narratives that continue to resonate.