Coin of Antiochos IX Kyzikenos of Syria c. 114 - 195

Editor: So, this is a coin of Antiochos IX Kyzikenos of Syria. Seeing it now, I'm struck by its…worn-down beauty. What story do you think this little disc whispers? Curator: Oh, this coin! Imagine holding power in your palm, quite literally! It’s a tangible link to a ruler, a kingdom, a whole bygone era. What do you make of the imagery, the figure depicted? Editor: Well, I see what seems to be a portrait, maybe a king, but it’s so aged and rubbed. Curator: Exactly. It's as though time itself has been smoothing out the sharp edges, not just of the metal, but of the king’s legacy. It reminds us that even the mightiest rulers are eventually reduced to…well, pocket change. Editor: I guess so. Makes you think, huh? Curator: Absolutely. It's a reminder that history is not just about grand narratives, but also these small, intimate objects that once circulated through daily life.