Tetradrachm of Katane signed by Herakleidas c. 406

Curator: Today we're looking at a Tetradrachm of Katane, a coin signed by the artist Herakleidas, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkable how much detail is captured in such a small format. The relief of the goddess's face is quite striking. The silver has a lovely patina. Curator: Indeed. The obverse displays the head of Arethusa, a nymph associated with Syracuse, adorned with a wreath of reeds. Note how Herakleidas uses the circular format to frame her face. Editor: I'm also drawn to the reverse; a quadriga—a four-horse chariot—in dynamic motion. The labor to carve these images, and then mint these coins, is extraordinary. What could each coin buy? Curator: The quadriga likely symbolizes athletic victories or power. The presence of the artist's signature elevates it beyond mere currency to a signed artwork. Editor: It speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship at the time, doesn't it? The silver itself, the artistry… Curator: Precisely. The coin elegantly marries aesthetics and function, offering us a glimpse into the values of that society. Editor: It’s humbling to realize that this small object connects us to the past in such a tangible way.