Coin of Tyre under Gordian III 238 - 244

Curator: Here we have a coin from Tyre, minted during the reign of Gordian III. It’s currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks so worn. Almost like an artifact pulled straight from the earth. The patina gives it such a tangible sense of history. Curator: Indeed. The coin served as both currency and propaganda, reflecting the Emperor’s authority and the city’s place within the Roman Empire. Editor: The textures are fascinating, though. See how the relief captures light, even in this corroded state? It makes the figures seem almost alive. Curator: Absolutely. The artistry of the die engravers was crucial. These images, distributed widely, shaped perceptions and reinforced social hierarchies. Editor: It's a small object, yet it speaks volumes about power and perception. A fascinating relic, really.