Coin of Prostanna under Philip II 247 - 249

Curator: This is an ancient bronze coin, a Coin of Prostanna under Philip II, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs about 13.73 grams. Editor: It looks like time itself has been pressing its thumbprint onto this little disc. The details are so softened; it feels…ghostly, in a way. Curator: Indeed. The artistry is striking, especially when you consider the sheer labor and skill required to produce these en masse. They were not just currency but also propaganda. Editor: Absolutely, the material speaks volumes, literally. How many hands did this pass through? What were their lives like? And bronze itself, mined, smelted… Curator: I love that you’re drawn to its materiality. For me, this coin whispers stories of empires, power, and the delicate dance between remembrance and oblivion. Editor: It’s a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense historical weight. Each scratch and discoloration tells a story about trade, value, and the human touch. Curator: Exactly. And perhaps a bit about our own enduring fascination with those who came before us, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely. It's hard not to feel connected to the past when holding such a tangible piece of it.