Coin of Perge under Philip II 247 - 249

Curator: This is a Coin of Perge under Philip II, presently held at the Harvard Art Museums, weighing just over 6 grams. It appears corroded, almost ghostly. Editor: The heavy patina speaks volumes. This wasn't just currency; it's a symbol of power, minted by a ruler who shaped the ancient world. What statements were they trying to make? Curator: Consider the composition. The profile, though worn, still conveys authority through its high relief. The circular form itself is a contained space, reinforcing that singular power. Editor: Yet, its existence also reminds us of the transient nature of empires. This coin outlasted Philip II, becoming a witness to history, representing wealth but also conquest. Curator: Precisely, the form and material endure even as their original function fades. Editor: True. Its value now lies in what it tells us about the society that created it and the legacies, both positive and negative, that are embedded within.