Coin of Tarsus under Caracalla c. 188 - 217

Editor: We're looking at a coin from Tarsus, minted under Caracalla. It's a humble little thing, but time has given it a beautiful, weathered texture. What untold stories do you think it holds? Curator: Oh, I love that question! I see a tangible link to an emperor, to a bustling city, to everyday commerce. Think of the hands this coin has passed through, each with its own narrative. It makes you wonder about their lives, doesn’t it? Editor: It really does. And the portraits, are they idealized or realistic, do you think? Curator: Probably a bit of both. The emperor wanted to project power, but the artist also captured something of his essence. It's like a fleeting whisper of the past, preserved in metal. I find that so very moving. Editor: Yeah! It's like a portal. Curator: Exactly!