Obol of Philip II of Macedonia, Pella c. 345

Editor: This is an Obol, likely from the time of Philip II of Macedonia, made of gold. It's incredible how something so small could represent so much power. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Let's consider the labor involved in extracting and refining the gold. Who controlled the mines, and what were the working conditions? The coin’s value represents accumulated labor and resources, used for military campaigns and consolidating power. Editor: That's a completely different way of seeing it than I imagined! Curator: Indeed. Think about how this small object embodies complex social and economic relationships. How does understanding its materiality shift your perspective? Editor: I now see the coin not just as a relic, but as evidence of the economic and social systems of its time. Thank you.