Coin of Laodikeia ad Mare under Commodus c. 177 - 192

Editor: This is a coin from Laodikeia ad Mare under Commodus, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is how this everyday object, a coin, can tell us so much. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The coin's imagery wasn't just about economics; it was carefully crafted propaganda. Consider the context of Commodus' reign; his leadership was controversial. How did this coin function within the broader political narrative of his rule and the Roman Empire's image? Editor: So, the coin becomes more than just currency; it's a statement of power? Curator: Precisely. The images and inscriptions would have influenced public perception and reinforced imperial authority. Looking at the coin's condition, we also see the effects of circulation and time, a physical manifestation of its journey through history. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It’s fascinating how a simple coin can reflect so much about history and power. Curator: Indeed, it makes you consider what our everyday objects will say about us centuries from now.