Tetradrachm of Patraos of Paeonia c. 335

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm, a silver coin, made by Patraos of Paeonia. It’s incredible how much detail they packed into something so small. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I see a potent statement about material control and power. Consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and die-striking the silver. This wasn't just currency, but a concentrated symbol of the ruler's ability to command resources and labor. What does the imagery itself suggest about the intended audience and its values? Editor: Perhaps it's about strength and leadership given the ruler's portrait and the warrior on horseback? It's fascinating to think about the coin as a tool of propaganda. Curator: Precisely. Its value extends beyond mere economic exchange, reflecting the king's power in shaping perceptions and consolidating his rule through control of material production. Thanks for your insightful observation!