Octobol of Pyrrhos of Epiros c. 278

Curator: Here we have an Octobol, a coin, bearing the name of Pyrrhos of Epiros, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkable how much expression is captured on such a tiny surface. I am immediately drawn to the profile of the woman, the weight of her gaze, even in the context of empire and currency. Curator: Pyrrhos was a king, and a fearsome one at that. His military campaigns shaped the politics of his time, and we see how he chose to represent power through imagery. Editor: Absolutely. But what does it mean to portray a female figure—likely a goddess—on currency? How might this reflect not just power, but gendered power dynamics? Currency always speaks volumes about who and what a society values. Curator: Exactly, and the reverse side depicts Nike, goddess of victory, further solidifying Pyrrhos's image as a successful ruler blessed by the divine. This coin, therefore, plays a crucial role in understanding ancient political messaging. Editor: I appreciate how our interpretation highlights the complex intersection of power, gender, and representation inherent in what might initially seem like a simple object. Curator: Indeed. It's a small coin, but it holds so much history within it.