Drachm of Antiochos VI Dionysos of Syria c. 144

Curator: Here we have a Drachm of Antiochos VI Dionysos of Syria, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The worn surface of this small silver coin really speaks of its age, the incised figure holding a thyrsus has a compelling grace. Curator: This coin served as propaganda. Antiochos VI, a young ruler, sought to legitimize his reign through imagery associating him with Dionysos, hinting at divine favor and prosperity. Editor: Notice the intricate details despite the coin's small scale—the radiating crown on Antiochos's portrait, the careful rendering of Dionysos's pose, and the symbolic ivy wreath. It is really beautiful. Curator: And it speaks volumes about the socio-political importance of even small-scale objects in shaping perceptions of power and identity in the Hellenistic world. Editor: Absolutely, a testament to how even the smallest details can carry so much meaning.