Coin of Alexander the Great, Macedonia mint c. 336

Editor: Here we have a coin of Alexander the Great from the Macedonia mint. It's incredible to hold a piece of history in your hand like this. What can you tell me about the social context of a coin like this? Curator: This coin functioned not only as currency but also as propaganda. Consider the imagery: likely Alexander himself depicted as Heracles, lion skin headdress and the eagle on Zeus's scepter, all communicating power and divine sanction. How do these symbols relate to Alexander's ambitions and empire-building? Editor: So the coin actively shaped his public image? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Precisely. Each coin disseminated a carefully crafted message throughout his vast empire. The minting location also says a lot about trade, and the distribution of power. What does this suggest about his control and legacy? Editor: I see, it's a small object that actually reveals the politics of the time. Thanks for helping me see it in a new light. Curator: Indeed. Examining these objects allows us to see the intersection of art, power, and cultural exchange.