Coin of Lysimachos, King of Thrace c. 300

Curator: Before us is a coin minted during the reign of Lysimachos, King of Thrace. Editor: Its patinated surface and corroded texture convey a sense of temporal distance. Curator: Indeed. The coin presents an idealized portrait—likely Alexander the Great—adorned with the horn of Ammon, signifying divinity. Editor: It projects authority, but also embodies the complex political maneuverings and self-aggrandizement that often characterized the ancient world. Curator: Its materiality speaks not only to craftsmanship, but to power, economics, and the projection of a king’s image throughout his realm. Editor: A potent reminder that even the smallest object can carry substantial historical weight, revealing truths about society and the ambition of rulers.