Tetradrachm of Attembelos III 57 - 58

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Attembelos III. It's a coin. It looks worn, but the image of the ruler is still visible. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about materiality and power. Its copper and bronze composition tells us about the available resources, while its weight indicates its intended value and purchasing power. Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't considered it in terms of materials. Curator: Consider also the labor involved in its production: mining, smelting, engraving the dies, and striking the coins. Each step reveals aspects of the society that produced it. Editor: Thinking about it that way, it's much more than just a coin. Curator: Exactly. It's a window into the material conditions and power structures of the time. Editor: I learned a lot about how materials shaped art in history. Curator: Indeed, by studying material culture, we uncover rich insights into history.