Drachm of Lysimachos of Thrace, Ephesos c. 294

Curator: Let’s turn our attention to this Drachm of Lysimachos of Thrace, struck in Ephesos. Editor: The immediate thing that strikes me is the texture. You can practically feel the cold, hard silver. And the relief, so worn by time. Curator: Indeed, it speaks volumes about the economics of power and how Lysimachos, one of Alexander the Great's generals, used coinage to legitimize his rule. Editor: Considering its size, the labor is impressive. Imagine the skill needed to engrave those dies and the sheer volume of coins they had to produce for circulation. Curator: Absolutely, and the iconography is fascinating. On one side, we see a deified Alexander, complete with ram's horns, a symbol of divinity. Editor: It's all about control, isn't it? Control of resources, control of imagery, control of the narrative they wished to project. Curator: Precisely. This coin served as both currency and propaganda. Editor: Looking at this small piece, one can ponder larger questions about empires and how they manufactured consent. Curator: It's a tangible link to the past, reflecting the power dynamics of its age.