Coin of Herod I, the Great c. 40 - 44

Curator: Here we have a coin dating back to the reign of Herod I, the Great. It's quite small, only weighing about 5.86 grams, and is housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredible to hold something so ancient. It looks like it has been worn smooth by countless hands. Curator: It speaks volumes about power and image-making in antiquity, doesn't it? The symbolism embedded within these coins, who they depict and why, were crucial for disseminating authority. Editor: Absolutely. Currency is a form of propaganda. Who gets represented, what symbols are used - it all reinforces power structures and dominant narratives of the time. How did Herod use it? Curator: This coin served not only as a medium of exchange but also as a statement of Herod’s reign. The imagery would have been carefully chosen to legitimize his rule and influence the public perception of his dynasty. Editor: It also makes you wonder about the lives of everyday people who might have used this coin - what transactions, what struggles, what stories it could tell. Curator: It is fascinating to contemplate the intersection of politics, economy, and daily life encapsulated in this single artifact. Editor: A small object with a huge history. It makes you consider the ripple effects of power.