Coin of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria, Antioch c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a coin, minted during the reign of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria, in the city of Antioch. Editor: Its worn surface and green patina evoke a deep sense of time and history. You can almost feel the weight of centuries in its form. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were crucial for economic activity and political messaging. The imagery served as a propaganda tool, projecting the ruler’s power and legitimacy. Editor: The figure on one side—is that Nike, the goddess of victory? The wings suggest a divine association, a promise of success and triumph for Antiochos. Curator: It's fascinating to consider how such a small object could carry so much symbolic weight in the ancient world. It’s a glimpse into the ruler's strategy of public image. Editor: Indeed. Holding power in your palm, quite literally. It makes you think about what symbols we use today to convey similar messages of authority. Curator: It's interesting to consider how this coin reminds us of the enduring human need to represent ourselves through symbols of wealth and dominance. Editor: Such a small thing carries great cultural memory.