Coin of Seleukos II, Nisibis c. 246

Editor: Here we have a coin of Seleukos II from Nisibis. It's small, only 2.39 grams, and the images are quite worn. What do you find most interesting about it? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were carefully designed propaganda. How does the ruler, Seleukos, want to be perceived? Whose imagery is he borrowing from, and what does that say about his aspirations and the cultural landscape of his time? Editor: So, the images on the coin were carefully considered to convey a specific message? Curator: Precisely. The motifs, the script, even the metal itself, all contributed to a narrative. Think about how this tiny object moved through the world, shaping perceptions of power and legitimacy with each transaction. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It’s fascinating how much history can be embedded in such a small object. Curator: Exactly! It gives us a tangible link to understanding ancient socio-political dynamics.