Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 317

Curator: We're looking at a bronze coin, weighing 8.54 grams, made by Agathokles of Syracuse, a tyrant in ancient Sicily. Editor: Immediately, I'm drawn to how worn it is. It feels like holding a piece of history laden with stories, battles, and power struggles. Curator: Absolutely, the coin's imagery tells its own story. On one side, you have a portrait, likely of Agathokles himself, projecting power. On the other, there's likely a representation of Nike, the goddess of victory, a common symbol used to legitimize his rule. Editor: And the medium, the bronze, speaks to a specific moment in material culture, doesn't it? It's not just about currency; it's about access to resources, to the labor that went into minting these coins. Curator: Indeed. The tactile experience is key. It makes you consider the labor and resources required for its production and distribution. I think this coin helps us connect to the economic realities and social dynamics of ancient Syracuse. Editor: It’s a reminder that even the smallest object can hold immense symbolic and material weight.