Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Miletos c. 323

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great from Miletos. It’s, well, a coin! It feels really weighty and powerful. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: Its tangible connection to a legendary past. Imagine this coin, fresh from the mint, passing through hands that shaped history. It’s more than currency; it’s a pocket-sized propaganda piece. Can’t you just see Alexander using it to pay for, say, a particularly flamboyant feathered hat? Editor: A hat! I hadn't thought of that! So it's both art and advertising? Curator: Exactly! A ruler immortalized in metal, circulating amongst his subjects, a constant reminder of his power and supposed divinity. Art, commerce, and self-promotion rolled into one shiny disc. Makes you wonder what our coins say about us, doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely gives you something to think about next time you reach for your wallet.