Tetradrachm of Demetrios II c. 129

Curator: The Tetradrachm of Demetrios II, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating glimpse into the Seleucid empire. What strikes you first? Editor: Its worn condition! The coin’s age speaks volumes. I'm drawn to consider who handled it, what transactions it facilitated, and the socio-political currents that it represented during its circulation. Curator: Precisely. Numismatic history, especially portraiture like that of Demetrios II, was deeply interwoven with royal propaganda and the assertion of power. Each detail was intentional. Editor: And the eagle, so prominently featured on the reverse, symbolizes what? Power? Divine right? Curator: Undoubtedly both. It projects authority while also tapping into deeper cultural meanings. Examining such imagery reveals the complex negotiation between ruler, symbol, and subject. Editor: This coin really reframes our understanding of ancient power structures. I keep imagining the hands it passed through, witnessing the unfolding of history. Curator: It reminds us that these objects are more than just artifacts; they're potent carriers of narratives.