Coin of Antiochos Hierax of Syria, Sardis c. 241

Curator: This coin, attributed to Antiochos Hierax of Syria, from Sardis, offers a tangible link to the Seleucid dynasty. Editor: It's weathered, almost brutally so, but there’s a certain weightiness to its appearance despite its modest 3.81 grams. Curator: Absolutely. The coin, while small, speaks volumes about power, trade, and identity in the ancient world. We see this representation of leadership and maybe some hints of deity in the figures represented. Editor: Considering its materiality, likely bronze or a similar alloy, the coin was part of daily economic transactions. The process of striking these images carries implications about labor and the control of resources. Curator: And this "everyday" object became a critical tool for disseminating political messaging, reinforcing the ruler's image across a diverse populace. Editor: Indeed. It makes me consider the human cost of mining and processing the metal, the workshops filled with artisans meticulously creating each coin. Curator: When viewing it in the gallery, I hope visitors consider how this single artifact opens up broader conversations about economics, identity, and the legacies of power. Editor: I'm left pondering the countless hands this coin passed through, each transaction, each imprint it left on society.