Coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, Uncertain Mint c. 175

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this intriguing artifact: a bronze coin of Antiochos IV Epiphanes of Syria, though its exact mint remains uncertain. Editor: It looks incredibly worn, like holding centuries of secrets. I’m immediately drawn to the patinated surface—the green and brown hues whisper stories of touch, trade, and time itself. Curator: Indeed. Its material composition and production process tell a story of economic and political power. The coin’s bronze alloy reflects available resources, while its minting speaks to centralized authority and trade networks. Editor: It's more than just money; it's a tangible link to a long-gone ruler, a pocket-sized echo of an empire. The face, though faded, feels like a window into his ambitions. Curator: Absolutely. By studying the distribution of these coins and their wear patterns, we learn about trade routes, economic practices, and the everyday lives of people living in that period. Editor: It reminds me that even the smallest objects can hold the grandest narratives. Curator: Precisely, and understanding their materiality brings those narratives to life.