Coin of Perge under Valerian I 253 - 260

Editor: Here we have a coin of Perge under Valerian I, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn surface sparks my curiosity about its past. What can you tell us about the symbolism embedded in such a small object? Curator: A coin is never just currency; it’s a portable symbol. Valerian's image, even in this state, projects authority and Roman power. Consider the potential cultural memory it invokes. What stories did it tell then, and what does its survival tell us now? Editor: So, the imagery acted as propaganda, reinforcing Valerian's rule? Curator: Precisely! And beyond that, it tied the individual to the vast Roman empire. Each coin served as a miniature monument, embodying Roman identity across vast distances. These symbols were deliberately circulated. Editor: It’s amazing to think how much cultural weight such a small object could carry. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to consider how symbols shape our understanding of power and belonging, even today.