Coin of Perikle, Dynast of Lycia c. 4th century

Curator: This is a coin of Perikle, Dynast of Lycia, at the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs only 2.42 grams. Editor: Its weathered surface whispers of stories, of hands long gone, of a world utterly transformed. I wonder what it paid for back then? Curator: Well, as a material object, it’s a fascinating example of ancient craftsmanship. The details, even now, are exquisite. Editor: Yes, the labor gone into striking this coin! What were the social dynamics in play, who profited, and who toiled in its production? Curator: It also served as a form of self-promotion, a declaration of power and prosperity etched onto a small metal disc. Editor: Ultimately, it connects us to the economic and social structures of a bygone era. Curator: Indeed. It makes one reflect on how value, power, and artistry intersect. Editor: Exactly. It's more than just currency; it’s history rendered tangible.