Coin of Agathokles,Tyrant of Syracuse c. 317

Curator: Here we have a coin crafted during the reign of Agathokles, tyrant of Syracuse. Editor: It's so small, but feels monumental! That chariot scene just bursts with energy despite its size. Curator: The chariot, and the goddess Nike crowning the horses, held deep symbolic meaning. Victory, power, divine favor... all concentrated in one image. The portrait of Agathokles himself, that idealized profile, speaks volumes. Editor: Idealized is right! He looks rather pleased with himself, doesn’t he? Like he's already tasted victory. Curator: Coins weren't just currency; they were propaganda, little portable statements of a ruler's ambition and legitimacy. Editor: To think, something so tiny carried so much weight, both literally in gold and symbolically in its message. I find that pretty amazing. Curator: Indeed. It’s a window into a world of ambition, power, and the enduring allure of symbols. Editor: It's almost like holding history in your hand.