Thursday, January 16, 2025

Graphic codes distinguished broad categories of written language during the classical period


Tetradrachm signed by Eucleidas circa 405-400 bC.


Obverse side: A female charioteer drives a fast quadriga, holding reins and raising a flaming torch while Nike flies to crown her.

Reverse side: The head of Athena faces three-quarters and is wearing double-hook earrings, a necklace of pendant acorns with a central gorgoneion-medallion, and a triple-crested attic helmet. On both sides, two dolphins swim downwards.

What's the deal?

The coin embodies value and serves as a cultural symbol.

Coinage is an act of collective faith grounded in social conventions.

You believe that it has intrinsic value. That's it!