Coin of Nikopolis under Commodus c. 177 - 180

Curator: Here we have a Coin of Nikopolis under Commodus, located in the Harvard Art Museums. The coin weighs 5.24 grams. Editor: It’s remarkable how the patina evokes a sense of history, a tangible link to the past through its weathered surface. Curator: Indeed. The profile on one side depicts Commodus, while the other features a figure – Nike, perhaps? – signifying victory. Editor: Nike's appearance on coinage is hardly accidental. It’s a potent symbol, linking Commodus to imperial successes and divine favor. One sees how rulers harnessed iconography. Curator: Absolutely. And observe the incised lines, the way the artist has used such a small space to convey depth and detail. It speaks to the skill involved. Editor: For me, these coins are more than just currency. They are vessels of cultural memory, miniature propaganda machines. The symbol’s endurance is quite potent, isn't it? Curator: Without a doubt. The formal rendering paired with the symbolic charge creates a compelling aesthetic tension. Editor: Studying objects like these lets us trace threads of meaning across centuries. Curator: A fascinating glimpse into the past, indeed.