Coin of Rhesaena under Severus Alexander

Editor: Here we have a coin of Rhesaena under Severus Alexander, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The wear on its surface speaks volumes. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the labor involved in mining the metal, refining it, and then striking the coin. Each step reflects the socio-economic structures of the time. How does the coin's materiality influence our understanding of Severus Alexander's reign and its relationship with the city of Rhesaena? Editor: So, it's not just about the image, but the entire production and consumption cycle? Curator: Exactly. Examining the coin’s creation and circulation reveals power dynamics and economic realities often overlooked in traditional art historical narratives. Editor: That's a new way to look at such an old coin. Thanks! Curator: Indeed! Thinking about the materials and processes can unlock much more than the image alone can tell us.