Coin of Salamis, Cyprus under Demetrios Poliorketes, King of Macedon c. 4th century

Curator: Here we have a coin from Salamis, Cyprus, minted under Demetrios Poliorketes, King of Macedon. Editor: It's so small! But the wear on the surface tells a story about circulation and use. I wonder who handled it? Curator: Demetrios aimed to project power; these coins served as propaganda tools, circulating images of himself. Editor: Right, you can see his idealized portrait on one side. The other side seems to depict a war horn or a tent. Curator: It’s a Macedonian shield. These images would have resonated within his kingdom. Editor: Metal carries weight. Currency shaped not just economics but also conveyed symbolic value. Curator: Indeed, the coin's design and distribution played a role in shaping perceptions of his authority. Editor: Thinking about its material origins—where the metal was mined, the labor involved—adds a layer of complexity. Curator: Absolutely. These small objects held significant social and political power. Editor: Something as simple as a coin reminds us of the interconnection between the economy and the political machine.