Coin of of Syracuse under Pyrrhos c. 278

Editor: Here we have a coin of Syracuse under Pyrrhos, it's a weighty little thing at 10.71 grams. It's amazing to think about what this coin could have "bought" back then! What can you tell me about this coin's historical context? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the brief reign of Pyrrhos in Sicily. Coinage was a powerful tool, used to broadcast an image of power and stability. The imagery chosen – perhaps a god, a ruler, or a symbol of the city – projected authority and legitimacy. Editor: So, this wasn't just money, it was propaganda? Curator: Precisely! Consider the political and social impact of circulating currency adorned with specific imagery. How might this shape public perception of Pyrrhos’s rule, both positively and negatively? It's a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art and power. Editor: It's incredible how much history a single coin can hold. I'll definitely think about coinage differently now.