Drachm of Alexander the Great, Magnesia ad Maeandrum c. 323

Curator: Up next, we have a Drachm of Alexander the Great, minted in Magnesia ad Maeandrum. It's currently part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s amazing to think this little piece of metal, weighing just over 4 grams, was touched by so many hands, passed around, probably lost and found again. Curator: Indeed. The imagery is quite fascinating. On one side, we see the head of Herakles, a figure Alexander identified with. On the reverse, Zeus is depicted seated, holding an eagle. Editor: The wear and tear almost amplify the images, gives them a ghostly presence. Does it strike you that power, ambition, legacy—they're all impressed on something so small? Curator: Absolutely. The symbolism speaks volumes about the ambition and reach of Alexander’s empire. Herakles represents strength and divine lineage, while Zeus embodies supreme authority. It's a potent combination. Editor: It makes you wonder about the stories it could tell—if only this tiny coin could talk. Curator: I find it incredible how effectively this coin showcases the cultural and political messages that Alexander the Great wanted to spread throughout his vast territory. Editor: And to think, millennia later, here we are, still pondering it. Curator: Precisely. The coin remains a testament to the enduring power of symbols.