Coin of Phokas c. 604 - 605

Curator: Here we have a coin of Phokas, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, a tangible relic of power. Editor: It feels weighty, despite its small size—worn smooth by time and use, a pocket-sized piece of history. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were not merely currency; they were tools of political propaganda, projecting the emperor’s image and legitimacy. This one served a purpose in reinforcing the patriarchy and empire that Phokas represented. Editor: I wonder about the labor involved in its creation. From the extraction of the metal to the die-making and striking, each step reflects a network of human effort. Curator: Precisely, and the coin’s circulation wove it into the everyday lives of people across social strata, reinforcing societal norms and power structures. Editor: It is remarkable how much cultural weight this small piece of metal can carry. Curator: Absolutely. It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can tell the most profound stories.