Coin of Korykos under Gallienus c. 253 - 268

Curator: This is a coin of Korykos under Gallienus, a Roman emperor, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The weight of the coin is around 13.47 grams. Editor: It has a distinct weathered appearance, almost aquatic with its blue-green patinas, suggesting themes of antiquity and endurance. Curator: Indeed. The profile of Gallienus is rendered with careful detail on the obverse, while the reverse features a symbolic figure. Editor: What could the symbolic figure represent? Poseidon, perhaps? The trident suggests a connection to the sea, fitting for Korykos, a coastal city. Curator: Possibly. The figure acts as a symbol of power, prosperity, and imperial reach. Editor: It's a potent artifact, connecting us to a historical moment through these enduring symbols. Curator: Precisely, illustrating how formal elements serve larger ideological frameworks. Editor: The journey of symbols across time is fascinating. Curator: Absolutely, and the materiality here emphasizes that continuity.