Hemidrachm of Philip II of Macedonia, Pella c. 336

Editor: Here we have a Hemidrachm of Philip II of Macedonia. It's a small, golden coin, really. What historical narratives are embedded in something so small? Curator: This coin, though diminutive, speaks volumes about power, identity, and cultural projection in the ancient world. Consider Philip II's strategic use of imagery. Editor: The head on one side seems significant. Curator: Indeed. Likely depicting Apollo, a god associated with light, reason, and the arts, linking Philip to divine authority. The trident on the reverse alludes to Macedonian naval power, crucial for trade and domination. How does this blend of iconography strike you? Editor: It’s a calculated message, power cleverly packaged. Makes you wonder about the stories it could tell about the people it touched! Curator: Absolutely. This coin isn’t just currency, it's propaganda in your pocket, shaping perceptions of Philip's reign and Macedonian identity.