Coin of Neocaesareia under Gordian III c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin from Neocaesareia, created during the reign of Gordian III. Given its age and material, it's remarkable how the imagery has endured. What symbols speak to you when you examine this piece? Curator: This coin whispers of power and legacy. The portrait of Gordian III is not merely a likeness; it’s an icon of Roman authority, meant to project strength and stability. The temple on the reverse, its columns and pediment carefully rendered, stands as a symbol of the civic pride and religious devotion that underpinned Roman society. Do you see how these images create a dialogue across time? Editor: I see how those symbols were intended to resonate, but I also wonder how they were received by those who lived then, and how they speak to us now. Curator: Precisely. The endurance of these symbols invites us to consider the ways in which power and belief are encoded in images and passed down through generations. It makes you think about the collective memory, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely food for thought! I appreciate you sharing your insight.