Caricatured Greek figure, 50 Lepta, from the series Coins of All Nations (N72, variation 1) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

This is a promotional trade card from the late 19th century, by W. Duke, Sons & Co., as part of the series "Coins of All Nations," advertising Duke brand cigarettes. The card features a caricatured Greek figure, meant to represent the 50 Lepta coin of Greece. These cards emerged during a period of intense industrialization, urbanization, and global expansion, reflecting America’s growing fascination with and, let’s be honest, commodification of foreign cultures. The caricature leans heavily into stereotypes, exaggerating facial features and traditional clothing, reducing the Greek identity to a spectacle for American consumers. The card underscores the complex relationship between commerce, cultural representation, and imperial power. Cigarette companies, like Duke, were not just selling tobacco; they were selling an image of the world, one that often reinforced hierarchical views of different cultures. It prompts us to consider the emotional and psychological impact of such representations, both for those within the depicted community and for those consuming these images.