Tetradrachm of Azes II, Baktria 35 BCE - 5 BCE

Editor: So, this is a Tetradrachm of Azes II from Baktria. It's small, silver, and worn, but it still feels really powerful. I mean, imagine all the hands it's passed through. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the coin not just as currency, but as a product of mining, smelting, and striking. The metal itself speaks to resource control. Who were the laborers involved in its creation, and what did its circulation signify about social and economic power in the region? Editor: That's a fascinating angle, thinking about the labor behind it. I hadn’t considered that. It changes how I see the coin. Curator: Absolutely! And understanding the coin’s material value and production processes helps us deconstruct traditional notions of artistry and appreciate the broader socio-economic context.