Tetradrachm of Azes II, Scythia 35 BCE- 5 CE

Editor: This is the Tetradrachm of Azes II, a Scythian coin at the Harvard Art Museums. Given its age and purpose, it’s surprisingly detailed. What stands out to you? Curator: The coin's visual elements speak volumes. Observe the deliberate composition: a mounted ruler on one face, a standing figure on the other. Consider the line work, the arrangement of text around the figures. How do these elements contribute to the overall impact? Editor: It's interesting how the wear and tear almost adds to its texture. Is there a significance to the symbols used? Curator: Precisely. The symbols invite us to decode their meaning. Think about the possible connections and structural relationships among these motifs. How might they reflect the power or ideology of Azes II? Editor: I hadn't considered the interplay of the figures and symbols that way. Curator: Through careful study of the coin's forms and their arrangement, we begin to unlock its intended effect.