Coin of Tetricus I c. 3th century

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this coin of Tetricus I, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Look closely at the materials used and consider its original function as currency. Editor: Well, initially, it appears forlorn, like a discarded memory. The green patina gives it a haunted quality. Curator: Indeed, the coin's degradation speaks volumes about its journey through time and the economic and political forces at play during Tetricus's reign. Editor: It makes me wonder, did the person who last held this coin dream of empires and riches, or simply struggle to buy bread? Curator: A poignant reflection. Its metallic composition, combined with the labor involved in its creation, reflects the social structures of the Roman Empire. Editor: In a way, it is a tangible link to their world. So much history concentrated in something so small and overlooked. It is humbling, really. Curator: Precisely. This examination of a coin made by Tetricus reveals more than just monetary value; it is a window into the lives of the people and the empire that forged it. Editor: Agreed. I suppose, ultimately, that makes it a very human artifact, doesn't it?