coin of Numerian 283 - 284

Editor: Here we see a coin of Numerian, from the Harvard Art Museums. Weighing just 2.58 grams, it seems unassuming, but I wonder what it can tell us? Curator: This isn't simply an object, but a product of specific labor practices, metalworking techniques, and economic systems. Who mined the ore? How were these images impressed? Editor: That’s fascinating! What do you see in this piece? Curator: The coin embodies power dynamics. It was circulated for exchange, influencing material culture and daily life for ordinary people, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: It's amazing to think about such a small object carrying so much meaning. Curator: Indeed. It highlights the interconnectedness of art, labor, and society, even in ancient times.