Coin of Prusa ad Olympum under Philip I 244 - 249

Curator: The "Coin of Prusa ad Olympum under Philip I" presents two images struck on bronze. I'm struck by how tactile it appears, despite being behind glass. Editor: Yes, and consider the material context. This coin, weighing just over eight grams, was produced during the reign of Philip I, also known as Philip the Arab. Its materiality speaks to the practicalities of empire—currency, trade, and power concentrated into a small, portable object. Curator: The images are powerful, too. The profile of Philip on one side, and a female figure on the other—likely a local deity, perhaps embodying the spirit of Prusa. These images carry the weight of Roman authority meeting local beliefs. Editor: And how the wear and tear, the very handling of the coin, speaks to its journey through history! Each scratch and imperfection tells a silent story of exchange and movement. Curator: Exactly! It’s a fascinating glimpse into the symbolic language of power. The coin broadcasts legitimacy and divine favor in a visual shorthand meant to be universally understood. Editor: A beautiful example of how artistic intention intersects with the lived reality of daily exchange. The coin reminds us that art is rarely divorced from the material conditions of its creation and use.