Coin of Pamphylia under Trebonianus Gallus c. 3th century

Curator: Up next, we have a coin of Pamphylia under Trebonianus Gallus, weighing just over 7 grams, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the texture; the surface is heavily worn, evoking a sense of age and history. Curator: The wear is significant, isn't it? Think of all the hands this passed through, the markets where it circulated. It speaks to the economic structures and trade routes of the Roman Empire in Pamphylia. Editor: And the visual impact is undeniable; despite the degradation, the subtle relief hints at a portrait. The circular form, the material’s inherent luster – even faded, it retains an echo of imperial power. Curator: Precisely. Its small scale belies its importance as a tool of imperial propaganda, a tangible representation of power distributed throughout the region. Editor: It's a beautiful example of how inherent form and material, combined with signs of age, tell a deeper story. Curator: Indeed, it's a reminder that even the smallest objects can offer profound insights into the past.