Coin of Syedra under Faustina II c. 161 - 175

Editor: We're looking at a coin, "Coin of Syedra under Faustina II," at the Harvard Art Museums. The texture is amazing! What strikes you about it? Curator: Note the formal structure. The coin's circular form is divided into two distinct fields, each bearing an image. One contains the effigy, the other a symbolic figure, perhaps a deity. This division creates a dialogue of power and representation. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't thought about it as a dialogue. Curator: Consider also the use of relief. The figures emerge from the surface, commanding our attention through their sculptural presence. The artist’s strategic use of line and form enhances the coin’s symbolic resonance. The level of detail, even now, draws you in. Editor: Thank you. I'll certainly look at other coins differently now. Curator: Indeed. Such a close look reveals the deliberate artistry inherent in even the most utilitarian objects.