Coin of Alexander I Balas of Syria c. 150

Curator: This is a coin of Alexander I Balas of Syria, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its rough texture and the sense of history etched into its surface. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these were powerful tools of propaganda. Alexander I Balas used coinage to legitimize his rule, depicting himself with idealized features and symbols of power. Editor: Looking closely, the laurel wreath is an obvious symbol of victory and status, mirroring Hellenistic traditions of deifying rulers. It's interesting how those symbols endure. Curator: Precisely, it’s a calculated use of imagery to project authority and connect with existing cultural norms. Editor: It's amazing to consider how something so small could carry such weight in shaping public perception and solidifying political power. Curator: Coins were not just currency but portable billboards, constantly reinforcing the ruler's image and legitimacy. Editor: A tangible link to the past and a potent reminder of the role of symbolism in shaping narratives.