Tetradrachm of Demetrios III of Syria 96 BCE-88 BCE

Curator: Here we have a tetradrachm, a silver coin, created under the authority of Demetrios III of Syria. Editor: It looks battered, doesn't it? Like it's been through a few wars itself. I see a stern face, regal, but worn. Curator: Exactly! Demetrios ruled during a tumultuous period. Coins like this were not just currency, they were propaganda, projecting power. Editor: Propaganda in your pocket! And I guess that wear and tear just adds to the story, the sense of history rubbing off on it. Curator: Absolutely. They circulated widely, influencing perceptions of the ruler and the Seleucid dynasty. This coin’s survival speaks to its cultural importance. Editor: It’s incredible to think about all the hands this little piece of metal passed through, and all the stories it could tell. Gives you chills, really. Curator: Indeed, and its presence in a museum underscores the coin’s enduring value as a historical document and an artistic artifact.