Coin of Corcyra under Pyrrhos of Epiros c. 281

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Corcyra under Pyrrhos of Epiros, roughly 4.85 grams in weight. The wear and tear on this coin are remarkable, and I'm curious, what does its existence communicate to you? Curator: I see a direct connection to material realities – the mining of the metal, the labor of striking the coin, and its subsequent circulation as a tool of economic and political power. It challenges the notion of "high art" by revealing the everyday mechanics of ancient society. Editor: So, it's less about the image on the coin and more about what the coin *did*? Curator: Precisely. Consider how this small object facilitated trade, paid soldiers, and propagated the image of Pyrrhos. What does it tell us about consumption and value in its time? Editor: It highlights how deeply intertwined art, economics, and politics truly are. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. A reminder that even seemingly insignificant objects can reveal profound insights into the past.