Stater of Lysimachos of Thrace, Lampsakos c. 297

Curator: Here we have a gold stater of Lysimachos, struck at Lampsakos. Notice the weight; it's approximately 8.52 grams. Editor: Wow, it has such a commanding presence for something so tiny. Gleaming like that, it almost vibrates with importance. Curator: Indeed. On one face, we see the idealized profile of Alexander the Great, while the other side depicts Athena seated, holding Nike, the goddess of victory. Editor: There's something about Alexander's gaze that feels both heroic and melancholic. I wonder what stories this coin could tell about power and legacy. Curator: Well, coinage played a crucial role in disseminating power and projecting an image of authority across territories and generations. Editor: Absolutely. It's an amazing artifact, a tangible symbol of an empire, and a window into the lives of those who held it, spent it, and maybe even lost it. Curator: It’s a powerful reminder of how rulers used imagery to cement their power. Editor: Agreed, it really makes you think about what endures and what fades.