Coin of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II, Alexandria c. 163

Editor: This coin of Ptolemy VIII, originating from Alexandria, is incredibly worn. It’s fascinating to see the residue of time etched onto it. What symbolic meaning would this have had for people at the time? Curator: Notice the eagle on the reverse. The eagle was a symbol of power and divine authority, linked to Zeus. Its presence here would invoke the legitimacy and strength of Ptolemaic rule, connecting it to a broader Hellenistic visual language. Editor: So, it’s about projecting an image of power? Curator: Precisely! But also, think about how this small object circulated, carrying these associations throughout the Ptolemaic kingdom. Symbols hold power precisely because they are repeated. Editor: It’s amazing to consider how much meaning could be packed into such a small object. Curator: Indeed. It speaks volumes about how rulers shaped public perception and reinforced their authority through visual cues.