Stater of Philip II of Macedon, Amphipolis c. 340

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this fascinating artifact: a Stater of Philip II of Macedon, Amphipolis, made of gold. Editor: There's an earthy, ancient feel, but that chariot scene is powerfully dynamic, isn’t it? Like condensed energy, captured in gold. Curator: Indeed. These staters were not just currency. They were propaganda tools. Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, used them to broadcast his military victories. Editor: So, this head, crowned with laurel, is likely a depiction of Apollo, aligning Philip with divine authority, while the racing chariot celebrates his Olympic wins? Curator: Precisely. These coins, circulated widely, reinforced Philip’s image as a victorious leader, legitimizing his power and influence. Editor: Thinking about the number of hands this little golden disc passed through...it’s amazing how much history a single object can embody. Curator: It truly is. And for me, I see a lasting testament to the human drive for legacy, captured in a coin's gleam.