Coin of Alexandreia Troas under Valerian I c. 253 - 260

Curator: This is a coin from Alexandreia Troas under Valerian I, held in the Harvard Art Museums collection, weighing just 4.64 grams. Editor: It looks incredibly weathered. I’m immediately drawn to the visible wear and tear—the surface seems almost molten, as if carrying the weight of centuries. Curator: Indeed. As a Roman coin, it served not only as currency but also as propaganda. These coins were circulated widely, conveying the emperor's image and authority throughout the empire. Editor: I wonder what stories it could tell, if it could speak. Who handled it, what transactions did it facilitate? Its very existence speaks to larger systems of power, trade, and even exploitation. Curator: Precisely. The socio-political implications of these objects are fascinating. Consider how the control of coinage was essential for maintaining imperial power and influencing public opinion. Editor: Absolutely. And beyond its intended purpose, the coin now embodies themes of survival and resilience. It's a potent reminder of the passage of time and the endurance of certain power structures. Curator: It’s remarkable how a single, small artifact can encapsulate such broad historical narratives and societal impacts. Editor: Seeing it this way really reframes how I think about our relationship to history and currency itself.