Coin of Micipsa and Brothers? c. 208

Editor: This is a coin, likely from the time of Micipsa, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks very weathered, almost like it's telling a story of ages past. What sort of symbolism do you see embedded within this piece? Curator: Ah, a fascinating artifact! Even in its worn state, the coin speaks volumes. Consider how such a small object served as a vessel for power, identity, and cultural memory. What do you see depicted on its face? Editor: It looks like a horse, maybe? And some markings, but they're hard to make out. Curator: Indeed. The horse, a symbol of strength and nobility, was a powerful image. The markings, likely inscriptions, would have further reinforced the ruler’s legitimacy. The coin acted as a tangible symbol of their reign, circulated amongst the people. It’s a mini propaganda machine. Editor: So, in a way, it's a symbol of power and control, made accessible to the masses. I never thought of it that way before! Curator: Precisely. It's a reminder that even the smallest of images can carry significant cultural and political weight.