AE Seleukos II, Syria 

Editor: Here we have a coin, "AE Seleukos II, Syria", made by Seleukos II. It looks worn, but still carries the weight of history. What kind of narratives do you see embedded within such an object? Curator: This coin offers insight into the construction of power and identity in the Seleucid Empire. Consider the figure depicted; likely Seleukos II himself. How does this self-representation reinforce his authority and legitimize his reign in the face of internal and external challenges? What does it mean to literally imprint oneself on currency? Editor: That's fascinating! I never thought about it as a form of propaganda. Curator: Exactly! It's a potent statement, especially when you consider the broader social and political dynamics of the time. The very act of circulating this image would have shaped perceptions and reinforced existing power structures. Editor: I'll definitely look at historical objects differently now. Curator: That’s the goal, to appreciate how art actively participates in society's power dynamics.