Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 295

Editor: So this is a coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse. The material has a wonderful, almost verdigris patina. What’s striking is how something so small can tell such a big story. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Absolutely. Look closer: whose story is it telling and from what perspective? Power and identity are intrinsically linked here. The depiction of a ruler on currency always prompts questions about authority and its representation. Editor: That's fascinating. It's interesting how a coin becomes a symbol of power. Curator: Indeed, and consider the gendered aspect. Who is represented, and how does that impact perceptions of authority? The coin becomes a site for negotiating and reinforcing patriarchal norms. Editor: I see. So, it's not just about the coin's value, but also about the values it projects. I hadn't thought about it that way. Curator: Exactly. Even in something as seemingly simple as a coin, we can unpack complex layers of social, political, and cultural meaning.