Countermarked tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Perge c. 196

Editor: This is a countermarked tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, from Perge. The silver is so worn, yet the images are really well-defined. What can we learn from this coin? Curator: This coin prompts us to consider power, representation, and the very nature of value. Whose face is deemed worthy of currency, and who decides? This wasn't just money; it was propaganda, reinforcing Alexander's image and authority across his vast, newly conquered territories. What do you notice about the figure seated on the back? Editor: He seems very relaxed, like a god on a throne. Curator: Exactly! This is Zeus, a powerful symbol to legitimize Alexander's rule. Coins are more than economic tools; they are cultural artifacts reflecting dominant ideologies. Editor: So, even something as small as a coin carried a huge political weight. Thanks! Curator: Precisely! It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can embody profound statements about power and identity.