Tetradrachm of Philip III of Macedonia, Babylon c. 323

Editor: This is a silver tetradrachm of Philip III of Macedonia. It’s interesting how much detail they managed to capture on something so small! What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: Coins, like this one, reveal so much about ancient economies and power structures. The material itself—silver, in this case—speaks to trade routes and resource control. The imagery, of course, served as propaganda, circulating specific messages about leadership and authority. What do you notice about its wear? Editor: It does look quite worn. So the coin’s condition tells a story about its use? Curator: Precisely! The wear patterns can hint at trade frequency, regions of circulation, and even the social classes who might have handled it. Editor: I never thought of coins as being so revealing. I suppose the next time I get change, I will have to really examine the coins in hand. Curator: Exactly! Always consider the materiality and the embedded history of everyday objects.