Antoninianus of Philip the Arab c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Philip the Arab, a Roman emperor from the 3rd century. The coin, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, gives us a glimpse into the visual language of imperial power. Editor: It's amazing to consider what this little coin has witnessed. The muted silver, though, it feels melancholic...almost as if the lion has seen better days. Curator: The lion, likely symbolizing Roman power, speaks to the emperor’s ambition to project strength and legitimacy through universally understood symbols. Editor: Funny how a symbol of power feels so fragile now, worn down by time, a reminder of how empires crumble and turn to dust. Curator: Indeed, symbols evolve, their meanings shift. It prompts a reflection on the ephemeral nature of power and legacy. Editor: Ultimately, it becomes a tiny, tangible poem about history's ironies, doesn’t it?