Drachm of Ariarathes V c. 163

Editor: This is a Drachm of Ariarathes V. It's small, silver, and features a regal portrait. What do you think this coin tells us about power and image-making at the time? Curator: These coins are powerful tools. Ariarathes V uses his own image, linking it to the divine through depictions of gods. Coins like these circulated widely, shaping perceptions of his legitimacy and authority. They are mini billboards of power. Editor: So, it’s a form of propaganda? Curator: Precisely. It's a carefully constructed public image, distributed amongst the populace. It prompts us to consider how rulers manipulate imagery to secure their place in history. Editor: That’s really fascinating! I never thought about ancient coins in that way. Curator: The power of visual messaging transcends time. We can see how even small, everyday objects can play a role in the theater of politics.