Drachm of Ariarathes V c. 163

Curator: This is a Drachm of Ariarathes V, a silver coin which resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The relief is impressive, even given the coin's small scale and worn condition. It conveys a sense of regal authority. Curator: Absolutely. Minting coins with one's own image was a powerful statement of sovereignty, crucial for rulers like Ariarathes V, who navigated complex political landscapes. Editor: Notice the delicate rendering of the king's profile, and the figure of Athena on the reverse. The line and form are so elegant. Curator: Such imagery served to legitimize his rule, connecting him to both the divine and the established Hellenistic world. Editor: Studying this coin gives us a tangible link to the artistic skill and political strategies of the time. Curator: Indeed, it underscores how art and governance were inextricably linked in the ancient world.