Trihemiobol of Tauromenion, Sicily c. 274

Editor: Here we have a Trihemiobol from Tauromenion, Sicily, issued by Hieron II. It’s a small gold coin; seeing the ruler's image makes me think about power and wealth. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin provides a glimpse into the complex power dynamics of the ancient world. Who was represented on currency, and why? What systems of value were being reinforced, and who was excluded? Think about how the imagery reflects and shapes societal beliefs about leadership. Editor: It's interesting to consider the coin as a form of propaganda, reinforcing Hieron II's authority. Curator: Exactly! How might this imagery have impacted the everyday lives and perceptions of people in Tauromenion? The coin is small, but its implications are enormous. Editor: I see it now – the coin is more than just money. It’s a symbol of power and ideology. Curator: Precisely! And questioning those symbols is how we understand history.