Coin of Macrinus, Rome 218

Curator: We're looking at a Roman coin depicting Macrinus, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The wear is immediately evident; it speaks to its age and circulation. Editor: Indeed, I'm struck by the materiality—the patinated bronze, the palpable erosion. It's a document of its own manufacture, use, and time. Curator: The profile of Macrinus is rendered with a surprising degree of realism, considering the scale. Note the deliberate inscription framing the portrait—a statement of authority. Editor: And consider the labor. Each strike of the die represents someone's livelihood, part of the economic engine maintaining the empire. It's more than just an image; it's work. Curator: I see your point. The formal composition, however, elevates its function, transforming it into an emblem. Editor: For me, it is a connection to the individuals involved—miners, metalworkers, and the people who used it daily. A constant reminder of its creation, use, and history. Curator: A valuable historical artifact and compelling object to contemplate. Editor: Absolutely. Each coin contains a universe of labor and meaning.