Coin of Cotys I of Bosporos c. 45 - 62

Editor: This is a coin of Cotys I of Bosporos, a small but weighty artifact at just over 6 grams. The details are worn, yet the form remains—a face in profile. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The circular form dictates the composition, naturally. Note how the profile aligns with the edge, creating a visual dialogue between the figure and its boundary. The degradation of the metal also contributes—it’s not merely damage, but a textural element. Editor: So, the imperfections become part of the piece? Curator: Precisely. They introduce a semiotic layer—a suggestion of time and history etched directly onto the material. Consider how the incuse relief shapes the interplay of light and shadow. Editor: I see how the form and texture create meaning in this coin. Curator: Indeed. It's through this visual language that the coin transcends its monetary function and becomes a compelling object of study.