Coin of Cotiaeum under Gallienus c. 253 - 268

Curator: This is a coin of Cotiaeum under Gallienus, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, weighing just under 5 grams. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the coin’s weathered surface. There’s a stark contrast between the areas still holding detail and the general wear. Curator: Yes, the composition is fascinating. The relief of the bust is partially effaced, yet the overall form retains a captivating legibility. We can still make out the imperial portrait. Editor: I wonder what hands it passed through, what stories it could tell about empire and trade routes, especially during Gallienus' turbulent reign and the Crisis of the Third Century. How does it speak to the power dynamics of the time? Curator: From a formal perspective, the circular form and the etched portrait create a closed composition, drawing the eye into the intricacies of the emperor’s profile. Editor: It’s a reminder that even symbols of power are subject to the forces of history and decay. Curator: Precisely. The coin’s form and subject matter combine to make it a particularly intriguing artwork. Editor: It’s a somber yet profound artifact, indeed.