Coin of Patrai under Commodus 177 - 192

Editor: Here we have an ancient coin of Patrai under Commodus, from the Harvard Art Museums. It feels like a tangible link to the past, though worn by time. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond its monetary value, this coin whispers stories. Commodus, remember, fancied himself a Hercules reborn. The figure on the reverse echoes that delusion, or perhaps, it's clever propaganda. It's a fascinating glimpse into the ego of an emperor, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely, seeing it that way adds a whole other layer. Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder about the power of images, even on something as small as a coin.