Coin of Perdikkas III of Macedonia c. 365

Curator: Before us, we have a coin of Perdikkas III of Macedonia, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like it has been through a lot. The deep greens and browns give it a very weathered, ancient feel, almost geological. Curator: The coin's material and design reflect a particular moment in Macedonian history, providing insight into its economy and cultural values. Editor: Absolutely, but the condition also speaks volumes. It is a physical manifestation of power, perhaps even oppression, worn down by time and the hands it passed through. Curator: Indeed. The semiotic analysis of the imagery would reveal the ruler's aspirations and legitimacy, but the coin's structure and composition display craftsmanship and an understanding of form. Editor: Still, let us not forget that its original function was to facilitate transactions within a system that invariably created hierarchies. Curator: A fascinating piece, offering layers of meaning through both its artistic and historical dimensions. Editor: Precisely. It reminds us of the complex legacies embedded in even the smallest of objects.