Coin of Philip II of Macedonia c. 359

Editor: Here we have a coin, likely bronze, attributed to Philip II of Macedonia. Its patinated surface gives it a certain weight. What strikes you most about its composition? Curator: The formal tension between the circular form and the degraded imagery is quite compelling. The erosion of the surface obscures the original design, yet simultaneously reveals the material's inherent qualities. The coin's value now resides not in its function, but in its materiality. Editor: So, the coin’s inherent beauty lies in its deteriorated state? Curator: Precisely. The degradation introduces an element of chance, altering the intended composition into something unique and unforeseen. It's a testament to time's transformative power on form. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective. I hadn't considered the beauty in its decay before.