As of Philip II c. 247 - 249

Editor: This is a coin, "As of Philip II," attributed to Philip II himself. Its worn surface speaks of time, but what stories does it hold beyond just currency? Curator: Consider this coin not merely as legal tender, but as a potent symbol of imperial power, deeply intertwined with issues of representation and authority. How does Philip II employ his image to project legitimacy and control? Editor: It's interesting to think of something so small carrying so much weight. What aspects of his identity was he trying to convey? Curator: Precisely. Think about the use of his profile, the inscriptions – these are deliberate choices meant to communicate specific messages to the populace. It reinforces the ideology of Roman rule. What do you make of the material itself? Editor: It seems very corroded. It suggests it’s been buried for a very long time. Curator: Indeed. And in its degradation, doesn’t it speak to the ultimate impermanence of even the most powerful empires and individuals? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. This little coin suddenly seems much more profound. Curator: Exactly! It is a reminder that history isn't just about grand narratives, but also the subtle, everyday ways power is negotiated and remembered.