Coin of Antiochos III, the Great of Syria c. 222

Editor: Here we have a coin of Antiochos III, the Great of Syria, from the Harvard Art Museums. The metal is worn, yet it feels weighty with history. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin illuminates the economic and social structures of the Seleucid Empire. Minting wasn’t just about currency; it was about controlling resources and projecting power. Who controlled the mines, the workshops, and the distribution? Editor: So, the coin isn't just money, it's a statement? Curator: Precisely! Think about the labor involved in extracting the metal, designing the die, striking the coin, and then distributing it. Each step reflects power dynamics and material realities. Editor: It’s amazing how much one little coin can reveal. Thank you.