Coin of Antioch under Lucius Verus c. 161 - 169

Editor: So, this is a coin from Antioch under Lucius Verus, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, unassuming, but holds a weighty history, doesn't it? I feel like I’m staring at something that’s witnessed centuries. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see whispers of empire, really. Each imperfection, that patina – it's the story of countless hands it passed through, each with their own dreams and dramas. This wasn’t just currency; it was propaganda, a mini billboard broadcasting Verus’s power. Doesn't it make you wonder what stories this little disc could tell? Editor: Definitely! It makes me think about value, both monetary and historical. I see it differently now, thanks. Curator: Exactly, it is a reminder that even the smallest object can hold immense meaning.