Coin of Seleukos II, Uncertain Mint c. 246

Curator: This is a coin of Seleukos II, discovered at an uncertain mint and currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Its weight is a mere 4.81 grams. Editor: Its worn texture and verdigris speak volumes about its past. It projects a somber mood; the imagery barely visible. Curator: Indeed, the patinated surface obscures a detailed, though classical composition. Note how the circular form frames the central imagery, directing the eye. Editor: How intriguing that the power of Seleukos II—his likeness, his rule—is distilled into this small object. It signifies trade, control, and the imposition of an image upon a populace. Curator: The coin’s metallic composition and shape are crucial; through them, we can decode the craftsmanship and purpose of its creation. Editor: This coin represents a nexus of cultural, political, and economic exchange. How did it circulate? Who held it, and what power did it represent to them? Curator: The details in its form remain somewhat discernible; there lies the key to unlocking its formal attributes and artistic context. Editor: Exactly; it's a physical manifestation of Seleukos’ reign and influence—a silent witness to history. Curator: Precisely. Let’s consider how this object might reshape our understanding of Hellenistic artistry. Editor: It underscores how objects, small and seemingly insignificant, reflect broader historical and social narratives.