Coin of Perge under Valerian I 253 - 260

Editor: Here we have a Coin of Perge, minted during the reign of Valerian I. It’s petite, isn't it? Its weathered surface really speaks to its age. What stories do you think it could tell, if it could talk? Curator: Oh, if only coins could talk! Imagine the markets it’s seen, the hands it’s passed through. It’s more than just currency; it’s a tangible link to a bygone era. Do you notice the iconography, even in its worn state? Editor: I think I can make out a figure on one side... Curator: Exactly! That's likely an image of the emperor himself, or perhaps a local deity significant to Perge. Think about the power dynamics embedded in such a small object. This coin broadcasts authority, prosperity, and cultural identity all at once. Amazing, right? Editor: It is! I never thought about a coin having so much to say! Curator: Me neither, until now.