Coin of Perge under Philip II 247 - 249

Editor: This is a coin from Perge under Philip II, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is its worn texture, hinting at the countless transactions it witnessed. What stories do you think this coin can tell us? Curator: Well, beyond transactions, this coin is about power and its dissemination. Philip II's image stamped onto currency speaks volumes about control, doesn't it? Think about how this small object reinforced his authority, reaching into the everyday lives of people. Who benefits from this kind of messaging, and who might be excluded or harmed by it? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the implications of the portrait as a form of propaganda. Curator: Exactly. And the coin's journey, its wear and tear, also reflects the realities of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange during Philip's reign. The coin is a starting point for investigating the historical dynamics of the period. Editor: I see it now. Thank you. Curator: Of course. Considering the coin as more than just currency encourages us to look closer at other power structures in our society.