Coin of Alexander III the Great, Tarsos c. 327

Editor: This is a Coin of Alexander III the Great, struck in Tarsos. It's small, but I'm curious – what symbols jump out to you? Curator: Look closely at the lion's scalp headdress. What does that evoke for you? It is Heracles, a figure of strength and divinity. Coins are more than money; they carry complex cultural narratives. This represents continuity of power and projection of dominance through divine association. Editor: I see, so the coin reinforces Alexander's power through symbolic association? It's interesting how a simple image could mean so much! Curator: Exactly. The symbolism is a kind of cultural memory, reminding people of a powerful leader and his divine connections. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks for illuminating the layers of meaning behind this coin!