Coin of Hiketas, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 287

Curator: Before us, we have an ancient coin, minted under Hiketas, the Tyrant of Syracuse. Editor: Its worn surface immediately evokes a sense of history—the feel of it must be heavy in the hand. Curator: Indeed. The coin features a portrait, possibly of Hiketas himself, framed by laurel leaves, a symbol of victory and leadership. Editor: And on the reverse, there’s an eagle with its wings spread—a powerful emblem frequently associated with Zeus, but re-appropriated here as a symbol of sovereign power. The act of striking a coin is a way of declaring your authority. Curator: Precisely. The imagery on this coin reveals a potent blend of aspiration and authority, demonstrating Hiketas' desire to connect himself with both divine sanction and earthly dominance. Editor: The material—probably bronze—adds a layer too; a commonplace metal, yet made precious by its association with this specific moment in Sicilian history. It’s not just a coin, but a record. Curator: A tangible, weighty record, encoding aspirations for legitimacy and power. Editor: I'm left thinking about what someone may have traded this for centuries ago. Curator: Ultimately, a potent material artifact, full of symbolic meaning that speaks volumes, even today.