Coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, Hieropolis-Kastabala c. 175

Editor: This is a coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria from Hieropolis-Kastabala. It's small, worn, and quite mysterious. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: The eagle is key. It's not just a bird; it embodies Zeus, kingship, and divine power. Its placement on coinage broadcasts legitimacy. Editor: So the eagle is a symbol of power and authority? Curator: Precisely. And consider the wear. Each touch, each transaction, imbued it with a history. It's a tangible link to a distant past, echoing with cultural memory. Editor: That’s a powerful connection to consider. I see the coin in a new light now. Curator: Indeed. The coin is more than metal; it is a vessel.