Tetradrachm of Cleopatra Berenice or Ptolemy XII 81-80 BCE

Editor: Here we have a silver tetradrachm, likely from the reign of Ptolemy XII. It feels incredibly weighty considering its size. What can you tell me about its role beyond simple currency? Curator: Well, these coins weren't just money. They were powerful tools of propaganda. The ruler's image, whether Ptolemy or Cleopatra Berenice, was circulated widely, projecting an image of power and legitimacy throughout their kingdom and beyond. Editor: So, it's less about wealth and more about image control? Curator: Precisely. Consider who controlled the mint, who decided on the imagery, and what messages they intended to convey. The eagle, for instance, was a symbol of the Ptolemaic dynasty, reinforcing their divine right to rule. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't thought about how much political power could be packed into a single coin. Curator: The politics of imagery, especially in times of turbulence, mattered greatly. Now think about the public that interacted with this coin.