Tenth Stater of Nikokles, King of Salamis c. 373

Editor: Here we have a gold tenth stater coin of Nikokles, King of Salamis. I find it amazing that something so small could carry so much historical weight, literally! What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This coin is a powerful example of how rulers use imagery to project authority and solidify their place in history. Considering its function as currency, its circulation would have widely disseminated Nikokles' image and, by extension, his power. Editor: So, in a way, it's a form of ancient propaganda? Curator: Precisely! How does this coin speak to you about Nikokles' ambition and Salamis' role in the broader political landscape of the time? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way before. It’s interesting to consider how something as simple as a coin could be a tool for shaping public perception. Curator: Indeed. It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can tell big stories about power, politics, and public image.