Coin of Perge under Gallienus 253 - 268

Curator: Here we have a "Coin of Perge under Gallienus," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. This coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the socio-political landscape of its time. Editor: Wow, it feels like holding history in your hand, doesn't it? A tangible link to a bygone era! The patina, those shades of verdigris—it sings of stories untold, empires risen and fallen. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this one played a crucial role in the Roman economy and governance. This artifact served as a tool for disseminating imperial power and projecting civic identity, circulating in the everyday lives of people in Perge. Editor: It's incredible to think about the hands this little disc has passed through, the transactions it has witnessed. There's a quiet dignity in its age, don't you think? It's a powerful object. Curator: Absolutely. It's a testament to the enduring power of numismatic artifacts to shed light on the past, revealing the intricate connections between art, power, and society. Editor: I love the intimacy of holding a coin like this. It makes history feel a little less distant, a little more human.