Prutah of Judah Aristobulus I c. 104

Curator: This is a Prutah of Judah Aristobulus I, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums, weighing a mere 1.55 grams. Editor: Well, its patinated surface immediately speaks of the passage of time. You can almost feel the weight of history just by looking at it. Curator: Indeed, the material and production of these coins speak to the political and economic landscape of the Hasmonean dynasty. Consider the labor and resources required to mint currency. Editor: And that currency, of course, played a critical role in solidifying Aristobulus's power and projecting his image throughout his realm, and even beyond. It is a tiny piece of metal enacting a large political agenda. Curator: Precisely. Examining the coin’s composition and markings reveals a lot about trade and the availability of materials during that period. It highlights material culture in shaping social interactions. Editor: This object reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can offer profound insights into the complexities of power and its imagery throughout history. Curator: Absolutely, looking at it with you, I see so much more of the social fabric woven into this single coin.