Coin of Alexander I Balas of Syria c. 150

Curator: Here we have a coin, made of bronze, of Alexander I Balas of Syria. Its weight is 8.08 grams. It's quite weathered. Editor: There's such a weight to it, not just physically, but metaphorically. You can feel the hands it's passed through. Curator: The material suggests a wide circulation, a tool for trade and power consolidation. The imagery would have been crucial for projecting authority. Editor: Absolutely. Minting coins wasn't just about economics, but crafting a visual language of legitimacy for the ruler. How did his identity intersect with this process? Curator: The coin reflects Balas's effort to assert his place in a complex political landscape through calculated image making, using iconography to shape public perception. Editor: Examining this coin brings us closer to understanding the lived experiences of those in Balas's realm. Curator: Indeed, it provides a tangible link to an ancient political reality.