Coin of Perge under Philip II 247 - 249

Curator: Here we have a coin from Perge, minted under Philip II. Look closely at the patinated surface. Editor: It feels… tactile. The muted greens and browns suggest age, endurance, the weight of history. Curator: Indeed. As currency, it represents power structures, the reach of the state into everyday life. Philip II’s image, or perhaps a symbolic representation of his reign, would have been pressed onto it. Editor: What symbols were paramount in Perge then? Is there a clear association between the imagery and the societal values or struggles of that time? Curator: Examining the context of Perge's economic and political status under Philip II could reveal insights into its place within the broader socio-political landscape. The imagery would connect to the region's identity. Editor: It really makes you wonder about all the hands this little coin passed through. So much implied narrative in a single artifact. Curator: Absolutely. It serves as a tangible reminder of past transactions, and a reflection of the identities that shaped the economy. Editor: I'll never look at pocket change the same way again. Curator: Agreed. Hopefully, our listeners will be prompted to consider the many stories held within a coin.