Coin of Philetairos of Pergamon c. 3th century

Curator: This is a coin of Philetairos of Pergamon, a tangible link to an ancient world. It's currently housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, it speaks of resilience. Despite its wear, there's a potent sense of history embedded in its metallic patina. Curator: Indeed. The coin itself would have been more than just currency; a symbol of power and identity. Look closely, and you’ll see the imagery—perhaps mountains, symbols of the kingdom. Editor: I love how something so small can carry such significant weight, both literally at 1.88 grams and figuratively, evoking centuries of stories. It makes you wonder about the hands it passed through. Curator: Absolutely. Each coin is a miniature epic, whispering tales of commerce, governance, and the echoes of a civilization. Editor: It's an artifact that beautifully collapses time, connecting us with the past, if we only pause to listen to its story.