Coin of Perge under Herennius Etruscus 249 - 251

Curator: This is a coin from Perge, made during the reign of Herennius Etruscus. You can find it at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it feels so… weighty, even just to look at. Like holding a tiny, weathered planet in your hand. Curator: Coins like this were not just currency. They were tools of imperial representation, circulating images of power and authority throughout the Roman Empire. Editor: It’s amazing to think that this little disc carried so much meaning, probably ending up in someone's pocket who had no idea about art or empires! Curator: Exactly! And the wear and tear, the corrosion, it speaks volumes about its journey through history and the hands it passed through. Editor: It’s a poignant reminder that even something as seemingly insignificant as a coin can be a powerful vessel of history. Curator: Indeed, and a testament to the enduring power of art to connect us to the past.