Coin of Philip V of Macedon c. 211

Editor: This is a Coin of Philip V of Macedon, and it's currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at it, I'm struck by how much history it holds, and the marks of time on it. What can you tell me about this artifact? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's a symbol of power and identity. Consider how Philip V used his image to connect with his people, projecting an ideal of Macedonian kingship. How does this coin participate in the propaganda and power structures of its time? Editor: That's fascinating! I never thought of a coin as a form of propaganda. Curator: Think about it: who gets to decide whose image is on the currency? Whose story gets told? And what does that say about their control over the narrative? Understanding this helps us see how power operates in society, even through seemingly mundane objects. Editor: I see. So, it reflects the intersection of art, power, and social control. I'll definitely look at historical objects in a new light now. Curator: Exactly. The past speaks volumes if we listen critically.