Tetradrachm of Philip II of Macedonia, Pella c. 336

Editor: This is a silver tetradrachm coin of Philip II of Macedonia. The wear on the surface is remarkable. What’s interesting about the material and the process of making it? Curator: Absolutely. The coin’s silver isn't just a pretty metal; it represents resources extracted, traded, and controlled. Consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking these coins. Editor: So the coin isn't just a portrait; it's about Macedonian power. Curator: Precisely! The visual imagery of the ruler and horse are promoting an image of power directly linked to wealth and material control. It moves beyond aesthetics. Editor: I see that now, thanks! Curator: The coin’s production and circulation were as much an assertion of authority as the imagery itself.