Coin of Demetrios II c. 2th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Demetrios II, who ruled the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Editor: It's so small, almost lost to time. The portrait on one side has a melancholic feel, despite the wear. Curator: Coins like these served a critical purpose. They weren't just currency; they were propaganda. The image of the ruler, or a deity associated with him, was instantly recognizable. Editor: And potent, right? The visual language of power. Even this tiny symbol could evoke loyalty and authority. What's the symbol on the other side? Curator: It's likely an anchor, a symbol often associated with the Seleucid dynasty, perhaps referencing their maritime power. Editor: It's amazing how a single object, even in its diminished state, can encapsulate so much history and cultural meaning. Curator: Absolutely. It's a tangible link to a world we can only glimpse through fragments like these.