Coin (AE2) of Constantius Gallus, Aquileia 352 - 354

Curator: Looking at this ancient coin, the "AE2 of Constantius Gallus, Aquileia" at the Harvard Art Museums, the immediate impression is one of endurance; it's a tangible link to a distant past. Editor: It's remarkably worn, isn't it? The patina speaks volumes; it's almost a melancholic object, carrying centuries of handling and exchange. Curator: Indeed. As a piece of currency, commissioned by Constantius Gallus, it represents power and imperial reach. The images, though faded, were once potent symbols of Roman authority. Editor: What strikes me is how this object, meant to project strength, now reflects the passage of time and the fragility of empires. The coin itself becomes a symbol of impermanence. Curator: Perhaps that's its most enduring message. The effigy of Gallus, the eagle, all meant to communicate stability, are now softened by age, allowing us to see beyond the intended propaganda. Editor: It's a poignant reminder that even the most enduring symbols can be transformed by history. Curator: Precisely. This small coin encapsulates a vast historical narrative, inviting contemplation of power, time, and the human condition.