Stater of Mithrapata, Dynast of Lycia c. 380

Curator: Here we have a Stater of Mithrapata, a Lycian dynastic ruler, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it's tiny and battered but carries such presence. It looks like buried treasure! Curator: These coins served crucial roles, facilitating trade, paying soldiers, and broadcasting Mithrapata's image and authority. Editor: The lion's face is quite striking, almost roaring off the surface. It’s interesting that rulers were keen on associating themselves with the symbolic animal. What were they saying? Curator: Lion imagery was a common symbol of power, also suggesting divine protection of the kingdom. The depiction of the ruler served as propaganda. Editor: Propaganda in your pocket! Amazing. Curator: Yes, precisely. These objects are both artworks and historical documents, offering insights into power dynamics. Editor: It's humbling to consider the lives it touched, the hands it passed through. The coin's imperfections tell stories of time and circulation, offering a tangible link to our shared past.