Hemidrachm of Philip II of Macedonia, Pella c. 323

Editor: Here we have a Hemidrachm of Philip II of Macedonia. It's incredible to think of the hands this coin must have passed through! What can you tell me about it? Curator: Let's consider the labor involved in the coin's creation. The mining of the gold, the skill of the die engraver, the physical act of striking the coin—each represents a complex web of production and social power. Who controlled these processes? Editor: So, beyond just currency, it's really a representation of the Macedonian economy and power structure? Curator: Precisely! Its worth wasn't simply its face value, but also a tangible manifestation of Macedonian control and consumption of resources. What does that suggest to you? Editor: It highlights the link between artistic creation and the exploitation of both natural resources and human labor. A sobering thought, and quite revealing. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even the smallest object can be a window into a larger history of production and power.