Coin of Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse c. 295

Curator: This is a coin minted by Agathokles, Tyrant of Syracuse. It weighs just over 7 grams. Editor: It’s remarkable. The wear and that pale verdigris give it an almost ghostly presence. Curator: Indeed. The portrait on one side is likely Agathokles himself, idealizing the ruler as a hero. Editor: A hero, or just a ruler trying to solidify his image? The lion on the reverse seems to be a symbol of power, echoing a familiar trope. Curator: Well, lions were associated with divine figures in ancient times. It's a powerful symbol that speaks across cultures. Editor: I see it as a deliberate attempt to cultivate a specific identity. It’s a fascinating glimpse into ancient power dynamics. Curator: Perhaps, but the coin also serves as a tangible connection to a distant world, laden with symbolic weight. Editor: True. Holding it, one can't help but reflect on how symbols are manipulated and endure to this day.