Coin Medallion of Sardis under Gallienus c. 254 - 268

Curator: The weight of this medallion! You can really sense its age and history just by holding it. Editor: It has such a somber presence. The patina and wear give it a texture that evokes the past. Curator: Indeed. What we have here is a Coin Medallion of Sardis, minted under Gallienus. Think about the labor involved! Mining, smelting, engraving—it’s all there in this small object. Editor: The low relief carving of Gallienus is quite striking, isn't it? The formal lines create a sense of stern authority. Curator: And consider its function: more than just currency, it represents power, trade, and the social fabric of the Roman Empire in Sardis. Editor: Absolutely. Its composition—the portrait on one side, the inscription and architectural image on the other—speaks to the values of that society. Curator: Precisely. A fascinating look at the economics and labor of the era, compressed into a single artifact. Editor: A poignant reminder of the layers of meaning an object can hold.