Coins | Exhibitions | Claims to Power
Claims to Power
Coins and Political Spin
29 January 2008– 29 April 2009 · Coin Gallery Entrance
Coins were the first mass medium, frequently used by ancient and medieval cities and empires to spread political or religious messages. By depicting deities on their currency, rulers identified themselves with the gods while also seeking divine protection. This compact display looks at how the god Nike/Victory was portrayed on coins by four different cultures—Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic—and compares political and artistic styles and techniques.
See also: Workshops for Children: Clay Coins