Coin of Perge under Otacilia 244 - 249

Curator: Before us is a bronze coin of Perge, dating from the reign of Otacilia Severa. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its materiality. The deep patinas, the slight distortions; the surface is a testament to time. Curator: Absolutely, and the wear tells a story. These objects were not just currency, but also powerful instruments of imperial propaganda, circulating images of the empress and thereby solidifying her public image. Editor: Right. Its intrinsic value as metal is almost secondary to its symbolic value as a political artifact. The degradation of form is fascinating. Curator: Indeed, we can consider how these sorts of coins would have been circulated, how they played a role in shaping perceptions of imperial power. Editor: It's a fascinating object, embodying both the grandeur of an empire and the intimate scale of everyday exchange. Curator: A tangible link to a distant past.