Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 295

Curator: This is a coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse. It's made of bronze and currently resides at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, wow, it's giving me real "lost treasure" vibes. It looks like something you'd find buried on a beach! Curator: These coins are fascinating because they represent a tangible link to a tumultuous period in Sicilian history, showcasing the power and image Agathokles wished to project. Editor: Power, definitely. You can almost feel the weight of history – and that 9.09 grams of bronze – in your hand. Did people actually use these things to buy, like, olives? Curator: Exactly! They were integral to the economy and served as propaganda, with symbols and portraits carefully chosen to reinforce Agathokles' legitimacy. Editor: It’s easy to forget these everyday objects carried so much weight. Maybe we need to rethink our own coins—what do you think Beyoncé would look like on a quarter? Curator: That's certainly a question that speaks to representation and power. This coin provides a micro-level view into the larger sociopolitical dynamics of its time. Editor: Thinking about ancient power struggles makes my own daily anxieties feel a little smaller. Food for thought!