Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 305

Curator: Here at the Harvard Art Museums, we have a coin made by Agathokles of Syracuse, a real tyrant. Editor: It feels heavy, doesn't it? Not just the 9.97 grams, but the weight of history, of power, and maybe a little ruthlessness embedded in that weathered surface. Curator: Absolutely, the imagery tells a story. One side depicts a head, probably Agathokles himself, while the other showcases a charging bull. Editor: That bull is dynamic, almost leaping off the coin despite its miniature scale. The texture, even with the wear, gives it a palpable sense of muscularity. It's a symbol of strength, maybe even aggression? Curator: Precisely. As a tyrant, Agathokles needed to project power and virility, and the bull serves as a potent metaphor for his rule. It is a statement of wealth and power. Editor: It is fascinating how much story is etched into a small object. The formal composition belies the depth within. It sparks the imagination, doesn't it?