Drachm of Lysimachos, King of Thrace, Kolophon c. 4th century

Curator: This is a Drachm, a silver coin minted under Lysimachos, the King of Thrace, in Kolophon. Editor: It feels heavy, not physically but historically. Like holding a tiny universe of power, ambition, and the faces of gods and rulers. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the image of Alexander the Great deified on one side, his legacy appropriated, while the reverse depicts a seated Athena, a powerful symbol of wisdom and strategic warfare, which reinforces Lysimachos's own aspirations. Editor: I'm struck by the contrast between the idealization of the figures and the wear and tear—it's like time itself is a sculptor, constantly reshaping and commenting on its subjects. It makes me wonder about what sort of power they were actually wielding. Curator: It also reminds us of the intersection of iconography and propaganda and how rulers used such means to legitimize their power. These images circulated widely, shaping perceptions and reinforcing social hierarchies. Editor: Yes, it's a reminder that even something small can carry a huge weight of meaning. It makes you think, what stories will our own currency tell future generations?