Coin of Leo III c. 732 - 737

Editor: Here we have a Coin of Leo III. It's undated and resides in the Harvard Art Museums. This little golden disc has an almost haunting quality. What stories do you imagine it could tell? Curator: Oh, this humble coin whispers of immense power, doesn’t it? Imagine it warm from the mint, exchanged in bustling marketplaces, a tangible link to Leo III's reign. The gold itself speaks of imperial wealth, but the slightly worn surface? That hints at journeys, at hands it has passed through. Editor: So it's more than just currency? Curator: Much more. It's a pocket-sized propaganda piece! Consider the image – what does that say about Leo’s self-image, his authority? Editor: It's like holding a tiny, golden time capsule. I never thought a coin could be so evocative. Curator: Exactly! Every scratch, every imperfection adds to its narrative. I find myself wondering, what events did this little coin witness? What power did it hold in shaping history?