Tetradrachm of Azes II of Scythia c. 20 - 21

Editor: This is the Tetradrachm of Azes II of Scythia, a coin of some kind. What strikes me is how much wear and tear it has sustained. What can you tell me about its history and materiality? Curator: Let's look at the metal, its potential sources, and the labor involved in its extraction and refinement. The wear suggests extensive circulation, reflecting economic activity. Who controlled the mines and the mint? Consider how these raw materials and the labor process shaped Scythian society. Editor: So, it's less about Azes II as a ruler and more about the society that produced the coin? Curator: Precisely. The image is secondary to the material and the socio-economic forces at play in its creation and distribution. What does this tell us about power structures and trade routes? Editor: It makes you consider it as more than just currency. Curator: Exactly. Currency is just a tool that facilitates exchanges among the different social classes. Editor: That's a fascinating way to look at it, thanks!