Coin of Aelia Capitolina under Herennius Etruscus c. 251

Curator: Here we have a coin of Aelia Capitolina under Herennius Etruscus, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredibly tactile, even in a photograph. The wear and corrosion speak volumes about its history. Curator: Absolutely, this small coin offers a fascinating window into the Roman colony of Aelia Capitolina. Notice how its imagery served as a deliberate projection of Roman power and identity. Editor: And the coin itself, the material it's made from, would have been a carefully chosen medium for that message of authority. Think about the labor involved in its production. Curator: True, every mark tells a story. It makes you wonder about the person who carried it, the transactions it facilitated, and the world it circulated within. Editor: Indeed. It's a reminder that even seemingly insignificant objects are imbued with social and material narratives. Curator: I agree. It's an incredible testament to the enduring power of art, even in its most humble forms. Editor: Yes, a beautiful example of how material culture shapes our understanding of the past.