Coin of Mallos under Gallienus c. 253 - 268

Curator: Here we have a coin of Mallos from the reign of Gallienus. It’s a small thing, but history in your palm. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the feeling of decay; the coin is heavily patinated, aged, almost spectral. It feels like touching time itself. Curator: Absolutely, the wear speaks volumes. It’s interesting to consider its design; a portrait on one side, likely Gallienus, and a depiction of, perhaps, a temple on the other. Editor: The temple is intriguing. It seems structurally sound, despite the coin's own deterioration. It adds a layer of meaning, suggesting power, and perhaps the emperor's ambitions for permanence. Curator: Coins are funny things, aren’t they? A symbol of wealth, but also tiny messengers that survive empires. I wonder who last held this. Editor: The imperfections and wear add a tactile quality. It’s a physical connection to a distant past, revealing the artwork's materiality as a testament to endurance. Curator: You are right. It’s humbling, really, to think about its journey. Editor: Indeed. It certainly makes you think about what we consider lasting today.