Obol of Eukratides I of Baktria c. 170

Curator: Before us we have a small, but significant artifact: the Obol of Eukratides I of Baktria, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s surprisingly evocative for something so small. I'm immediately drawn to the contrast between the regal portrait and the worn edges, a tangible link to a distant past. Curator: Precisely. These coins, minted by Eukratides, were symbols of power, legitimizing his rule. The imagery, a fusion of Greek and local traditions, speaks to the cultural complexities of the Baktrian kingdom. Editor: And it's a reminder that even objects intended to solidify authority can become tools to examine the impact of power on people's lives. The coin reveals that economic and social systems always reflect cultural dynamics. Curator: Indeed. For me, this small coin represents a wide range of overlapping cultural beliefs, each vying for dominance and each contributing to a lasting legacy. Editor: Looking closer, I'm left thinking about value, both monetary and symbolic, and how those concepts shift across time and cultures.