Coin of the Arcadian League, Megalopolis c. 363

Curator: This is a coin, weighing just 1.7 grams, from the Arcadian League, specifically from Megalopolis. It is currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like it's been through a lot. I find its worn texture and dark patina almost melancholic; it evokes a sense of time and history. Curator: Exactly. These coins were produced by a league of city-states in ancient Arcadia. Megalopolis was one of the most prominent members, and the coins served as a form of currency and a symbol of the League's power and unity. Editor: Currency is always about power. What sociopolitical narratives were being reinforced by the imagery and use of these coins? Were they accessible to everyone? Curator: The Arcadian League was formed with the explicit purpose of resisting Macedonian hegemony. They attempted to establish a democratic system in the region, though, like most ancient societies, it was limited. Editor: So, even in antiquity, finance and identity were intertwined. This tiny object speaks volumes about the struggles for self-determination and democratic ideals that resonate even now. Curator: Indeed. It's a tangible connection to a distant past, reminding us that the challenges of political organization and identity are perennial. Editor: It prompts me to consider how economic systems perpetuate, but also potentially disrupt, social hierarchies. Curator: A powerful reminder of the enduring connections between past and present.