Stater of the Koinon of Thessaly 44 BCE-40 BCE

Curator: This is a Stater of the Koinon of Thessaly, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The Koinon of Thessaly, of course, being the federal league of Thessalian cities. Editor: It looks so battered and worn, yet there's still a strange dignity to it. The silver has tarnished, giving it a ghostly appearance. Curator: The imagery is potent. On one side, we see the head of Apollo, a symbol of order, reason, and civic pride. On the reverse, it appears to show the goddess Athena, embodying strategic warfare and wisdom. Editor: It speaks to the labor involved; each strike of the die, the sourcing and refinement of the silver – tangible connections to the ancient world. And what was it used for, I wonder? Trade? A donation to the temple? Curator: Exactly. These symbols communicated power and identity, solidifying the collective cultural narrative. Editor: Thinking about the hands that held this small piece…it shrinks history, somehow. Curator: Yes, the images offer a glimpse into the values and beliefs of Thessalian society at that time. Editor: From process to function, this small coin reveals layers of meaning. Curator: Indeed, and through its symbolism, we can better understand the social and cultural forces that shaped ancient Thessaly.