Obol of Alexander the Great, Ecbatana c. 311

Editor: Here we have an Obol of Alexander the Great, likely made of silver. The coin is small but incredibly detailed. It makes me think about the vast empire it once represented. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Notice the craftsmanship. The labor involved in minting these coins wasn't just about aesthetics, it was about controlling and facilitating an economy. The value wasn't intrinsic; it was imposed, backed by Alexander's military power. Who benefitted from this system, and at whose expense? Editor: That makes me consider the labor that went into it and how it functioned as a tool of power. Thanks for highlighting that! Curator: And consider what this little object witnessed! It's a tangible link to a bygone era, its materiality shaped by historical forces.