Tetradrachm of Ptolemy II c. 285

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this Tetradrachm of Ptolemy II, a coin weighing 14.16 grams, crafted during Ptolemy II Philadelphos' reign. Editor: It feels almost severe, doesn't it? The eagle looks so proud, its gaze unwavering. Curator: The choice of silver speaks volumes about economic power, its gleam reflecting the kingdom's wealth and the minting process as controlled labor. Editor: Absolutely. And the eagle, a recurring symbol of power and divinity, emphasizes Ptolemaic rule, connecting him to the divine realm. Curator: Coin production served a dual function, as a tool of economic exchange and a medium for projecting royal authority through controlled material output. Editor: I'm struck by how these images persist, how this eagle and Ptolemy's profile carry the weight of a long-lost kingdom. Curator: Indeed. This piece offers insight into the intersection of labor, materials, and royal authority in the ancient world. Editor: Yes, a small object that echoes with power.