Coin of Philip V of Macedonia c. 3th century

Curator: Before us, we have a coin of Philip V of Macedonia, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It's remarkably small, only 1.35 grams. Editor: The patina tells a story, doesn't it? It speaks of time, of touch, of use, almost as if it's whispering the economic history of a civilization. Curator: Indeed. Structurally, the coin's circular form dictates the placement of the imagery, forcing the depicted head to conform to its edges, a deliberate artistic choice. Editor: But think of the craft involved, the hands that mined the metal, the artisans who painstakingly created the die. What were their lives like, making these objects of power? Curator: Power manifested through symbolic representation. Consider the deliberate choice of imagery—the regal head, the implied narratives of rulership conveyed through a singular visual symbol. Editor: Yes, and how this small token moved through society, enabling trade, representing value... it’s a tangible link to the past. Curator: Precisely. A convergence of form and function, reflecting the socio-political fabric of its time. Editor: A potent reminder that even the smallest objects can carry the weight of history.