Coin of Pergamon under Gordian III 238 - 244

Curator: Here we have a coin from Pergamon under Gordian III. Just holding it, I feel instantly transported. It’s worn, isn’t it? Like it's holding so many untold stories. Editor: Absolutely. And in its worn state, it whispers tales of empire and exchange, of power and place. Curator: The coin’s creation speaks volumes about Roman power structures in the region. Gordian III, a teenage emperor, had his image stamped onto currency circulated in Pergamon, modern day Turkey. What’s striking is how this seemingly small artifact reflects the vast reach of imperial Rome, intertwining local economies and identities with its own. Editor: It also makes me think about how portraits of male leaders were used to consolidate power and create legacies. Curator: Yes, and considering Gordian III's youth, the act of imprinting his image onto currency serves as a potent symbol of authority, solidifying his place in a lineage of emperors and signaling Roman dominance to the people of Pergamon. Editor: It’s incredible how something so small can be so weighty, both literally and historically. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to consider the multifaceted layers of history, power, and identity embedded within its surface. Editor: And how objects can outlive the individuals they represent.