Fraction of Diocletian 284 - 305

Curator: Looking at this, I'm instantly drawn to the color, that almost ethereal green patina. It's like looking at a little piece of captured time, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely. This "Fraction of Diocletian," held here at the Harvard Art Museums, carries so much more than just its 3.39 grams of weight. It is a portal to understanding Diocletian's monetary policies. Curator: I imagine holding it, feeling the cool weight, the story etched into it by countless hands. Who touched this, what did they buy, what did they feel? Editor: The coin, as a form of mass media, also represents the empire's power—projecting authority, wealth, and ideology across diverse populations. Consider how images of rulers reinforce social hierarchies. Curator: You're right, it's not just a pretty, green piece of metal; it's a symbol, a tool, a tiny echo of a powerful man’s reign. It makes you wonder about power itself, how fragile and fleeting it all is. Editor: It's a stark reminder that history, power, and even beauty, are often two sides of the same coin. Curator: A lovely, if somewhat unsettling, thought.