Coin of Amasia under Severus Alexander 231 - 232

Editor: This is a coin of Amasia under Severus Alexander, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is how much history is packed into such a small, weathered object. What do you see in this ancient artifact? Curator: For me, it's like holding a tiny time capsule. The emperor's profile, worn smooth by centuries, feels incredibly intimate. It whispers stories of power, trade, and the everyday lives of people in a faraway land. Do you think someone clutched this coin, dreaming of a better harvest, a safe journey? Editor: That's beautiful. It makes me wonder, how did something so small survive for so long? Curator: Exactly! It’s a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of art, even in its most humble forms. I feel a connection to that distant past, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Definitely, it's almost magical to think about!