Coin of Euagoras II of Salamis c. 4th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Euagoras II of Salamis, a ruler from ancient Cyprus. Editor: It's striking how weathered it looks—so small, yet it feels like it carries the weight of centuries. Curator: Indeed. Its design features the head of Herakles on one side, a figure of immense strength, and a recumbent goat on the other, likely linked to local Cypriot symbolism and perhaps royal power. Editor: I wonder about the messages this coin circulated. How did such symbols enforce or challenge the status quo, impacting those who traded and lived under Euagoras II? Curator: The symbolism here is layered, connecting Greek mythology to Cypriot identity, and this combination would have certainly affected the public. It's a miniature artifact brimming with the values of its age. Editor: It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can carry the largest stories.