Coin of Ptolemy VI c. 180

Curator: Here we have a coin of Ptolemy VI, made during his reign. It's impressive how much this small object can tell us. Editor: It looks incredibly worn. I'm struck by the patinated surface and the almost indistinct figures. Curator: Indeed. The regal image of Ptolemy is powerful, his diadem connecting him to the divine kingship of Egypt and the Hellenistic world. Editor: And on the reverse, the eagle, a symbol of power, yet here it seems almost fragile because of the damage to the coin itself. Curator: Precisely, the eagle represents not just dominion, but also the continuity of the Ptolemaic dynasty. The coin as a whole creates a cultural memory of Ptolemy’s rule. Editor: It’s a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the inevitable decay of even the mightiest empires. Curator: These objects allow us to reflect on the symbolism and lasting power of ancient rulers. Editor: A single coin, a universe of history and form.