Coin of Seleucaeia ad Kalycadnos under Gordian III c. 238 - 244

Curator: Here we have a coin of Seleucaeia ad Kalycadnos, issued under Gordian III, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such a somber presence, doesn’t it? The heavily patinated surface softens the details, giving it a muted, almost melancholic character. Curator: Indeed. It’s important to remember that coins were not just currency; they were potent propaganda tools, circulating imperial imagery and messages throughout the vast Roman Empire. Editor: Look at the subtle variations in the green patina; they create a surprisingly dynamic texture across the coin's surface. Curator: The issuing of coins like these would have reinforced Roman authority in Seleucaeia, reminding the local population of Gordian III's rule and the economic power Rome wielded. Editor: Even worn, the coin’s circular form remains compelling. Its smooth, tactile quality beckons touch, bridging millennia. Curator: Precisely, a tangible connection to the past, reflecting the complex relationship between imperial power and local identity. Editor: A tiny object carrying weighty historical echoes; an interesting dialogue about power and the passage of time.