Thrace, Chersonesos, Coela, Gallienus c. 3th century

Curator: This is a coin of Gallienus, specifically from Thrace, Chersonesos, Coela. It's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels weighty, both in terms of its material presence and historical significance. The patina creates a visual depth. Curator: Coins like this were not just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. The imagery and inscriptions were carefully chosen to project power and legitimacy. Editor: And the worn surfaces speak to the tangible exchange—the physical passing from hand to hand, further embedding its message within the populace. Curator: Precisely. The act of holding it connects us to the economic and political realities of that time. Editor: Considering its small scale, the coin becomes an artifact of immense historical and cultural value. Curator: Indeed, it's a testament to the power of material culture to transcend time. Editor: Seeing this coin, I now appreciate the value coins had in the past and present.