Coin of Perge under Otacilia Severa 244 - 249

Curator: Here we have a bronze coin from Perge, minted under the reign of Otacilia Severa. Notice the patina, the texture... it speaks of age and history. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn’t it? Like holding a piece of time, worn smooth by centuries. A little mysterious, almost like a tiny portal. Curator: Indeed. The obverse depicts Severa, while the reverse showcases a temple, possibly dedicated to Artemis, complete with columns and pediment. Editor: The temple feels less about worship and more about refuge. That compact, stylized form, it's more like a promise of sanctuary, a mini-fortress. Curator: Precisely! The inscription around the temple reads "ASYLOU," signifying the right of asylum, protection, and inviolability. Editor: A powerful message, etched on something so small. It makes you wonder about the stories it could tell if it could talk. Curator: One can certainly imagine the journey this coin has undertaken, passing through countless hands and witnessing epochs come and go. Editor: Ultimately, it reminds us that even the grandest empires fade, but art, even in the form of a humble coin, can endure.