Tetradrachm of Demetrios Poliorketes, Salamis c. 300

Curator: Take a look at this, an ancient Tetradrachm of Demetrios Poliorketes, a silver coin residing at the Harvard Art Museums, weighing just over 17 grams. Editor: Wow, that's a heavy vibe for something so small. It feels powerful. Look at the detail, that winged figure. Curator: Indeed, the obverse shows Nike alighting on a prow, symbolizing victory, and the reverse bears the image of Poseidon wielding his trident. Notice the deliberate contrapposto. Editor: I see a king trying to project an image. The god Poseidon, the winged figure... it’s pure theatre, really. A statement of power. Curator: Precisely, and the choice of silver, its reflective quality, adds to the coin's visual impact, reinforcing the message of authority and divine favor. Editor: I get it. It’s small, but it speaks volumes. A little bit of sculpted propaganda, preserved across time. Curator: A lasting message crafted carefully, indeed.