Coin of Carrhae under Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: This is an ancient coin from Carrhae under Commodus, now at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, but the material itself, worn as it is, feels incredibly weighty. What do you see in it? Curator: Its material tells a story of production and consumption. The metal itself, likely copper alloy, speaks to the mining, smelting, and labor practices of the time. Consider the die-striking process. Editor: So, the coin isn't just about Commodus, but about labor? Curator: Exactly. It embodies a whole economic and social system. It shifts our perspective from the individual ruler to the processes that sustained his power. An interesting perspective. Editor: I see it now. It really puts the power in context!