Coin of Phokis under Phalaikos c. 351

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Phokis under Phalaikos" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's beautifully patinated. What stories can this small object tell us? Curator: This coin, though diminutive, speaks volumes about power and propaganda in its time. Consider how Phalaikos used coinage to legitimize his rule, controlling not just the economy but also the visual narrative circulating among the people. Who was seeing this coin, and what message were they supposed to receive? Editor: So, it's not just about currency, but about conveying a specific image of leadership? Curator: Precisely! The imagery—likely depicting symbols of Phokian identity or power—was carefully chosen to reinforce Phalaikos's authority and unify his territory. Think of it as an early form of political advertising. Editor: It's incredible to think that something so small could have such a large impact on society. Curator: Indeed. Studying such artifacts allows us to decode the visual language of power and understand how it shaped ancient societies.