Tetradrachm of Demetrios II of Syria c. 146

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Demetrios II of Syria, a silver coin. The wear and tear really make me think about the hands it must have passed through. What can you tell me about the making of this coin and its place in society? Curator: Consider the material: silver, a valuable commodity. How does the act of minting – controlling the material, imprinting it with power – reflect the socio-economic structures of the time? Think about the labor, the access to resources, and the intended consumption of this object. Editor: So, it’s not just about the image, but the entire process of creation and its use? Curator: Precisely. The coin embodies power through its materiality and production, and that power is circulated with each transaction. It goes beyond just the artistic rendering. Editor: I never considered the social context of making coins before. Thanks! Curator: A materialist lens encourages that deeper inquiry.