Coin of Edessa under Gordian III and Abgar X c. 242 - 244

Editor: This is a fascinating piece, a coin of Edessa under Gordian III and Abgar X, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredible to hold something so old. What strikes me most is the duality presented by its two distinct sides; what aspects of the composition stand out to you? Curator: The coin's form adheres to a circular format, demanding a bilateral reading. Consider the interplay of relief and incuse. The raised profiles create a tactile experience, while the engraved details offer a contrasting visual texture. How do these formal elements affect your interpretation? Editor: I see how the contrast emphasizes the figures. It's like they're emerging from the coin itself. I hadn't considered the tactile aspect before. Curator: Indeed. The coin’s materiality—its weight, its metallic sheen—contributes to its symbolic power. Reflect on how these intrinsic qualities elevate it beyond mere currency to an enduring representation of power. Editor: That's a totally different way to look at it. Thanks! Curator: You're welcome. These observations hopefully provide a new lens through which to appreciate the rich complexity inherent within this work.