Tetradrachm of Nikomedes II of Bithynia c. 149

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Nikomedes II of Bithynia. The silver is worn, but the details of the portrait are still visible. What strikes me is how much labor must have gone into creating the die for this coin. What stands out to you? Curator: Absolutely. Considering the labor involved in mining, refining, and minting silver, a coin transcended mere currency. It became a potent symbol of the state's command over resources and labor. How would its value relate to, say, a day's wages? Editor: That's a great question. I hadn't considered it in terms of daily life. Curator: Thinking about the material and the process helps us understand its social and economic significance. It is not just about artistic skill; it is about power, control, and the distribution of wealth. Editor: I'm starting to see the coin in a different light now. Thanks!