Coin of Zeugma under Philip I c. 244 - 249

Curator: Here we have a coin of Zeugma, minted during the reign of Philip I, the Arab. Its weight is 15.23 grams. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn't it? The image is worn, but the central structure still conveys a sense of austere power. Curator: Indeed. Note how the composition uses the circular form to create a self-contained world. The dense texture further emphasizes the object’s materiality. Editor: That temple-like structure must have held significant cultural importance. Its appearance on the coin suggests an intention to associate Philip’s reign with a powerful religious symbol. Curator: Precisely. And the rigid lines of the architecture contrast beautifully with the softer rendering of the Emperor’s portrait. Editor: The coin is a microcosm of cultural values and imperial ambition—a window into the symbolic language of power. It speaks volumes. Curator: A compelling demonstration of how form and function intertwine to create meaning. Editor: Absolutely, seeing the symbols and interpreting their meanings is a really lovely part of studying such an object.