Coin of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Gallienus, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The patina is remarkable. What strikes you about the visual construction of this object? Curator: The composition reveals an intriguing interplay between form and degradation. Notice how the effigy, though worn, retains a clear profile, creating a dialogue between decay and enduring representation. The circular format further reinforces this sense of cyclical time. Editor: So the coin's physical state contributes to its meaning? Curator: Precisely. The coin's materiality—its weight, texture, and the very erosion it has undergone—becomes integral to its aesthetic impact. It transcends mere functionality. Editor: That's a completely different way to look at a coin. Curator: Indeed, and a reminder that even the smallest object can hold immense complexity when we look at it with discerning eyes.