We may not often reflect on the origins of money, but its invention carries profound historical significance. Around 2600 years ago, Lydian kings began minting coins featuring their emblem, which became the standard currency, even though their nominal value often exceeded the actual value of the metal, writes Phys.org.
A recent example is the cryptocurrency $TRUMP, named after the current President of the United States, which has reached a market capitalization of over 8 billion dollars. However, the use of currency as a tool of power and propaganda is not a new phenomenon. Historically, coins have served not only as a medium of exchange but also as a platform for disseminating the messages of rulers.
Alexander the Great was the first to feature his own image on Greek coins—a privilege previously reserved for depictions of gods. This bold move aligned with his self-proclaimed divine status, validated by an Egyptian oracle. His coins, adorned with the portrait and the horns of the ram Ammon, symbolized his divine lineage as the son of Zeus.
On the reverse side, Athena, the goddess of victory, was depicted with a spear and shield—a clear message of Alexander's commitment to the gods and military supremacy. These coins also financed his armies, reinforcing his image throughout his vast empire.
The Romans elevated coin propaganda to an art form. A striking example is the coin of Julius Caesar, minted at the height of his power in 44 BC. One side of the coin featured his portrait with the inscription "Dictator for Life," while the reverse displayed Venus, his mythical ancestor, holding a symbol of victory.
This image effectively crowned him as king, which was a direct affront to the ideals of the Roman Republic. His assassination a month later on the Ides of March led to the emergence of another iconic coin by Marcus Junius Brutus, commemorating Caesar's death. This coin depicted daggers symbolizing the murder and a pileus, a cap representing freedom, which illustrated the conspirators' justification for their actions.
Coins also played a significant role in the Jewish resistance against Roman rule. During the First Jewish Revolt in 66 AD, the rebels issued their own currency with inscriptions like "Shekel of Israel, Year 3" and "Jerusalem the Holy," emphasizing their independence.
When the Romans suppressed the revolt, Emperor Vespasian minted coins featuring defeated Jewish figures, symbolizing Rome's victory. These coins circulated in Judea for decades, serving as a reminder of Roman dominance.
While modern coins and banknotes derive their value from government backing rather than intrinsic worth, they remain instruments of influence. This is evident in the case of private mints that produce commemorative coins, such as those featuring public figures.
The history of money, from Lydian coins to contemporary cryptocurrency, reflects how currency transcends its economic purpose and becomes a powerful symbol of authority, ambition, and propaganda. Its evolution continues to shape societies and impact worldviews.
We also discussed how the discovery by archaeologists rewrote the history of the city of Adrianople.