Coin of Antiochos III, the Great of Syria, Antioch c. 225

Editor: This is a coin of Antiochos III, the Great of Syria. It’s fascinating how such a small object can carry so much history. What symbols or imagery stand out to you? Curator: I see the remnants of a powerful king's image. His likeness, however faded, speaks to the enduring human desire for legacy, even imprinted on something as commonplace as currency. Editor: So, the coin’s imagery was intentionally designed to communicate power and authority? Curator: Precisely. Even in this state, the visual vocabulary echoes through time, reminding us of how rulers have historically used symbols to shape perceptions and maintain their cultural footprint. What do you make of its worn condition? Editor: I hadn't considered that before. It makes me think about how things can change over time, but the symbols remain.