Coin of Nysa-Scythopolis under Gordian III c. 3th century

Curator: Looking at this coin, I see the weight of history – both literally, at 12.93 grams, and figuratively. This is a coin of Nysa-Scythopolis, issued under Gordian III. Editor: It's incredibly worn, isn't it? The images are barely perceptible, giving it an almost ghostlike quality. You can sense the passage of countless hands. Curator: Exactly. The portrait of Gordian on one side, and likely a local deity on the other, are powerful symbols of Roman authority and regional identity intertwined. It is fascinating to consider how imperial power gets expressed through a local lens. Editor: It’s humbling to think about the hands this has passed through, the transactions witnessed. It feels like a tangible link to a world both familiar and deeply alien. Curator: Absolutely. This coin isn't just money; it's a pocket-sized piece of political and cultural communication. Editor: A tiny relic that speaks volumes about power, belief, and exchange. Curator: A testament to the enduring power of symbols.