Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 295

Editor: Here we have a coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse, from the Harvard Art Museums. It's hard to believe that something so small could tell such a big story. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, imagine holding that in your hand – a direct link to a ruler from ancient Syracuse! The coin's condition speaks volumes, doesn't it? It's like a well-loved, well-worn character in a play. I wonder, who held it, and what did they buy? Editor: I never thought about it like that. Like each mark tells a story. Curator: Exactly! And the design itself, that face, that symbol – it's all propaganda, a deliberate message blasted out into the world. Editor: So, it's more than just money? Curator: Absolutely! It's power, history, and a little bit of magic, all in one tiny package. It really makes you wonder what stories it could tell. Editor: I'll definitely be looking at coins differently from now on.