Coin of Perge under Philip II 247 - 249

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin, made in Perge under Philip II. It's small and worn, but still striking. How do you interpret its visual qualities? Curator: The coin’s circular form and the incised figuration invite examination. The patina, a consequence of material transformation over time, articulates its existence as both object and historical artifact. Editor: So, the wear and tear are part of the aesthetic? Curator: Precisely. The superimposition of image upon the coin’s surface creates tension between symbolic representation and utilitarian function. Note how the effaced details invite speculation. What do *you* see? Editor: It does make you wonder about what it was like when new. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It’s a testament to the power of form and material to transcend time.