Coin of Thessalonike under Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have a fascinating piece from Harvard Art Museums: a coin of Thessalonike under Severus Alexander. Editor: The verdigris patina immediately catches my eye. The material transformation speaks of its age and the environmental factors at play. Curator: Indeed, this coin offers a glimpse into the political climate of the time. Severus Alexander, though the issuer, ensured Thessalonike's continued agency through coinage. Editor: It is interesting to imagine the labor involved in its creation, from the mining of the metal to the detailed die-cutting. Also, how the coin circulated and was eventually discarded. Curator: Absolutely, it served both economic and propagandistic functions, reflecting the emperor's image and authority throughout the region. Editor: Thinking about the coin's weight and how that dictated its value allows me to think about how exchange occurred in this period. It is an intimate piece of history that you can hold in your hand. Curator: A tangible link to a distant past, shaped by power and molded by the hands of many. Editor: Precisely. A small object with such a grand story to tell.