Hemidrachm of the Arcadian League, Megalopolis c. 175

Curator: This is a Hemidrachm of the Arcadian League, minted in Megalopolis. Editor: It looks so small! And worn smooth with age, yet the figures remain remarkably clear. Curator: Indeed. The Arcadian League represents a crucial moment of coalition, of city-states uniting under a shared identity. The coin's imagery, the head with a wreath, speaks to an Arcadian cultural heritage rooted in pastoral ideals. Editor: And on the reverse, we see what appears to be a figure, perhaps a deity, seated on a rock? The composition is quite striking, even within the limited space. It’s amazing to see so much detail in such a small form. Curator: Absolutely. Think about the symbolism inherent in this object, how even monetary exchanges carried the weight of cultural and political messaging. Editor: It's amazing to consider how this single coin could embody the spirit and ambition of an entire league. Curator: Precisely, and its survival offers us a tangible connection to that ambition.