Hemidrachm of Philip III of Macedonia, Uncertain Mint c. 323

Curator: This is a Hemidrachm of Philip III of Macedonia. The mint is uncertain. Editor: It looks battered, doesn't it? But you can still make out the forms on both sides. Curator: Absolutely. These coins, though small, were potent tools of political and economic power. They circulated widely, carrying the image of Philip and symbols of Macedonian authority. Editor: Considering it’s a coin, the craftsmanship is impressive. The detail in the figure seated on what looks like an eagle throne… Who were the artisans involved in minting these? Curator: That’s a key question. While the artist is officially listed as Philip III, the actual engravers remain largely anonymous, part of the larger labor systems that fueled these empires. Editor: It's a testament to how deeply ingrained material production is in state power. This coin isn't just money; it’s a materialization of political will. Curator: Precisely. Each coin a small propaganda piece, circulating ideas of kingship and control. Editor: Seeing it this way definitely shifts my understanding of something I might have dismissed as just a historical artifact. Curator: Indeed. It invites us to consider the hands and histories embedded in its very form.