Coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Gordian III c. 3th century

Editor: So, this is a coin of Thessalonike under the Emperor Gordian III, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks really worn. What's your take on this little piece of history? Curator: It whispers tales, doesn't it? I see a tiny portal to a bustling ancient world. Imagine the hands it passed through, the markets it bought goods in, maybe even a bribe or two! What do you think it tells us about power? Editor: Well, it literally has the Emperor's face on it, so… quite a bit? But it’s also so small and humble now. Curator: Exactly! Power is fleeting, empires crumble, but art—even a humble coin—endures. It's a quiet rebellion against oblivion. Editor: That’s a great point. It’s survived so much. Curator: It really makes you wonder about the stories it could tell. I've learned to really appreciate its story. Editor: Me too! Thanks for sharing your perspective.