Stater of Tarsos under Datames c. 378

Curator: Let's consider this Stater of Tarsos, believed to have been designed under Datames. It's a fascinating example of early coinage now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredible to think of the hands this little piece of silver has passed through. The wear and tear speak volumes. Curator: Absolutely. The materiality of this coin matters. The way the metal was handled and stamped reveals a lot about the skill and technology of the period. Its weight, 9.96 grams, was a very calculated measure of wealth and trade power. Editor: And its imagery! The portrait on one side and the figure on the other likely served as propaganda, asserting Datames' authority and solidifying his image within the region. Curator: It highlights how deeply intertwined economics and power are. It's more than just currency, it's a carefully produced object meant to communicate a very specific message. Editor: Indeed. A tiny object with enormous political and cultural implications. A tangible piece of history.