Coin of the Chalkidian League, Olynthos 

Editor: Here we have a Coin of the Chalkidian League, from Olynthos. It's an ancient artifact, worn smooth by time. What can we learn from its materiality and production? Curator: The coin's creation reveals much. The act of minting, controlled by the Chalkidian League, speaks to economic power and the standardization of exchange. The metal itself, its source and refinement, tells us about trade networks and technological capabilities. Consider the labor involved. Editor: So, it's not just about the image stamped on it, but about the whole process? Curator: Precisely. The image, of course, held symbolic value, but the coin's material existence rooted it in the social and economic realities of its time. What does it mean to hold power in your palm? Editor: Fascinating. It changes my perspective entirely. Curator: Indeed. It is a small object with vast implications.