Drachm of Alexander the Great c. 4th century

Curator: Here we have a Drachm of Alexander the Great, minted to a weight of 3.72 grams. It’s quite striking, isn't it? Editor: Yes, immediately I notice the silver, worn smooth by time and trade. You can almost feel the history held within the metal itself. Curator: Absolutely. Think of the social and political ramifications of this little coin. As currency, it funded Alexander’s military campaigns, shaping the Hellenistic world. Editor: And the labor involved in its creation. Each strike of the die, each coin circulated, represents a transaction, a transfer of resources and power. Curator: Indeed. These drachmas weren't just money; they were also propaganda, extending his influence far beyond his immediate reach. Editor: I agree. The material speaks to both tangible economic transactions and symbolic expressions of dominance. It's a powerful little object. Curator: Ultimately, understanding coins like these offers tangible insights into the workings of ancient societies. Editor: Precisely, and the means by which materials, like silver, shaped social and economic life across the ancient world.