Coin of Parion under Severus Alexander c. 3th century

Editor: This is a coin of Parion under Severus Alexander, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, and quite worn. What hidden stories do you see in this humble object? Curator: The wear itself is a story, isn't it? Each imperfection whispers of hands that held it, transactions it facilitated, a silent witness to history. Consider the imagery: who is represented, and what symbols surround them? These choices speak volumes about the values and power structures of that society. Editor: It's amazing to think about what it might have been used for. I never considered the wear as part of the story itself. Curator: Indeed. Even the material choice, likely bronze, holds significance. It reflects accessibility and the scope of the coin's intended circulation, and carries the emotional weight of a shared history. What do you think this coin meant to the people of Parion? Editor: I guess it was more than just money. It represented their connection to their ruler and perhaps their sense of belonging. Thanks, that was really enlightening.