Tetradrachm of Philip III (Arrhidaios) of Macedonia, 'Arados' c. 323

Editor: This is a silver Tetradrachm of Philip III of Macedonia. It's amazing to think about the labor and the cultural significance it holds. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a statement on power. The choice of silver, the weight – 17.14 grams – dictated its value and purchasing power. Who controlled the mines? Who controlled the mint? These questions reveal the economic underpinnings of Philip's reign. Editor: So, it's less about artistic expression and more about the means of production? Curator: Precisely. The coin represents not just wealth, but the material and social systems that allowed for its creation and circulation. What was the impact of its production on the local miners, craftspeople, and traders? Editor: I never thought about it that way. It gives a totally different perspective on ancient currency. Curator: Exactly. It’s about labor, materiality, and consumption.