Tetradrachm of Philip V of Macedonia c. 212

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Philip V of Macedonia. What strikes me is how such a small object can carry so much symbolic weight. What do you see in it? Curator: Consider the helmeted head of a king, a common symbol of power, and consider it alongside Hermes's winged cap. It's a conscious blend of military might and commerce. What does that combination tell you? Editor: It implies a kingdom where wealth and defense are intertwined, maybe even dependent on one another. Curator: Precisely! The wreath on the reverse further suggests triumph and prosperity. These symbols reinforce Philip V's intended message of strength and legitimacy. It’s fascinating to see how visual language was employed in antiquity. Editor: It definitely makes you think about the calculated messaging, even in something as small as a coin.