Stater of Tarsus under Datames c. 378

Curator: Here we have a Stater of Tarsus under Datames, a silver coin weighing 10.53 grams. Editor: The figures, though small, have a regal air about them. I'm struck by the formality of the composition within such a limited space. Curator: Indeed. The coin was a form of currency, yes, but also propaganda. Datames, the artist, used readily available metal in a region central to trade routes. Editor: Looking closely at the incuse details, notice how Datames contrasts textures—the smooth bodies against the rough, patterned borders. It’s a study in miniature. Curator: Exactly! This coin demonstrates power through control of materials and labor, showcasing Datames' sphere of influence and trade relations. Editor: It's incredible to consider how much could be communicated through the craftsmanship and design of an object meant for everyday exchange. Curator: A potent reminder that art, even in its most functional forms, is deeply interwoven with the social and economic fabric of its time. Editor: And for me, the coin prompts a reflection on how artistic choices, like those present here, can monumentalize the mundane.