Drachm of Philip III of Macedonia c. 323

Curator: Here we have a Drachm of Philip III of Macedonia, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like a humble artifact, but the wear and tear hint at the many hands it must have passed through. What stories could it tell? Curator: Its materiality speaks volumes. Silver was the backbone of Macedonian trade and military finance, fueling Philip's campaigns. This coin was more than currency; it was propaganda. Editor: Absolutely. The iconography, especially the depiction of Heracles, links Philip to legendary strength and divine favor. That resonates deeply with cultural memory. Curator: Precisely. The coin's design also reflects the labor involved, from mining the silver to striking the image, all contributing to the machine of state. Editor: It’s amazing how a single, small object can unlock a window into ancient economics, mythologies, and power structures. Curator: Indeed, it’s a testament to the enduring dialogue between materials and meaning.