Daric of the Achaemenid Kings c. 490

Editor: This is the Daric of the Achaemenid Kings, crafted from gold. Seeing this coin, I’m struck by how much power such a small object could represent. What's your take? Curator: It is the material reality of the coin that is most striking. Consider the labor involved in extracting, refining, and stamping gold – a literal embodiment of Achaemenid power through controlled production and distribution. How does it challenge our understanding of art's value? Editor: That's a new perspective. So, its value isn't just symbolic? Curator: Precisely. The coin's material origins and production process are integral to its meaning, reflecting the political economy of the Achaemenid empire. Editor: I see, thanks.