Tetradrachm of Olynthos (Chalkidian League) c. 432

Curator: The Tetradrachm of Olynthos, issued by the Chalkidian League, presents two distinct images. On one side we see a laurel-wreathed head in profile, while the other features a beautifully rendered lyre. Editor: It’s such a small object, yet it holds so much power. The crisp profile seems to exude calm, and the lyre appears almost weightless. Curator: The Chalkidian League was a federation of cities in the Chalkidike peninsula, and this coin tells us much about their economic and political organization. The lyre was a significant symbol, likely representing the cultural values and identity they wished to project. Editor: Absolutely. The choice to portray this idealized male figure, coupled with the lyre, speaks to a dominant patriarchal structure deeply entrenched in the society's power dynamics. It's a powerful symbol of their collective self-image. Curator: Indeed, the coin’s imagery and production underscore the League's efforts to foster a unified identity through shared visual language. Editor: Considering our modern gaze, it challenges us to unpack the narratives and power structures embedded in even the most seemingly innocuous objects. Curator: Studying the imagery on these ancient coins opens a window into the values of ancient Greece. Editor: It prompts us to understand how symbols both reflect and perpetuate inequality.