Coin of Alexander the Great, Macedonia mint c. 325

Editor: This is a coin of Alexander the Great from the Macedonia mint. The green patina makes it look almost otherworldly. What statements about power and identity do you see it making? Curator: A coin is never just currency; it's a powerful tool of propaganda. This coin, issued by Alexander, cemented his image—perhaps even his perceived divine right—across his vast, multicultural empire. Think about the visual language: how does it construct Alexander's persona, and whose voices are silenced in that construction? Editor: So, it's not just about trade, but about constructing a narrative? Curator: Exactly. Currency literally circulates ideas. Whose image is privileged? Whose history is being told, and at whose expense? The very act of representation involves power dynamics and inevitably creates a hierarchy. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider how something so small can carry so much historical weight and cultural meaning. Curator: Indeed. It reveals how deeply intertwined art, power, and identity truly are.