Drachm of Mausolos, Satrap of Caria c. 367

Curator: Here we have a Drachm of Mausolos, Satrap of Caria, a silver coin, now part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's remarkable how this small object carries such weight. The portrait has an almost haunting quality, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. Mausolos was a shrewd ruler who recognized the power of imagery. Minting coins with his own portrait was a bold move, associating himself with divine rulers. Editor: And notice the god on the reverse? It reinforces Mausolos's authority, aligning his image with established power structures and cultural narratives. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a statement about political legitimacy and legacy, crafted for circulation among his subjects and beyond. Editor: Even in this worn state, the coin evokes the ambition and cultural aspirations of its time. It makes you think about the long echoes of power.