Tetrobol of Perdikkas II of Macedonia c. 443

Curator: Here we see the Tetrobol of Perdikkas II of Macedonia, a small silver coin currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The immediate impression is one of faded glory—the worn silver hinting at the passage of centuries, but the images still speak volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Issued during Perdikkas II's reign, these coins served not only as currency, but also as potent political symbols. The imagery promoted his authority. Editor: The horse and rider speak to power, of course, but the lion is particularly fascinating. Lions often symbolize strength and royalty, a declaration of power. Curator: Indeed. The placement of these images on coinage broadcasts those themes to a wide audience, legitimizing his rule through iconography distributed amongst the populace. Editor: It’s a potent reminder that even small objects can carry immense cultural and psychological weight. Curator: Precisely. It also emphasizes how crucial visual imagery was to ancient socio-political structures. Editor: Looking at this small object, I'm struck by the continuity of symbols across millennia, the enduring power of the lion and the horse. Curator: And for me, a deeper appreciation for the artistry within political messaging.