Coin of Samos under Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Samos under Commodus, located at the Harvard Art Museums, and weighing just over 21 grams. It is so worn! What can we learn from its material reality? Curator: Its worn state is key. Consider the labor involved in its initial production – the mining, smelting, and striking. Then, think about its circulation: each transaction, each pocket it passed through, contributing to its current condition. Editor: So, the wear isn't just damage, but a record of its use? Curator: Precisely. It's a testament to the coin's function as a medium of exchange, reflecting the daily lives and economic activities of the people who used it. The coin's materiality tells a story of production, distribution, and consumption. Editor: That's fascinating. I’ll never look at old money the same way again. Curator: Indeed, it is all about shifting the focus from the artistic value to the social context of its materiality.