Coin of Sillyon 

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Sillyon" by Otacilia Severa, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin's weathered appearance makes me wonder, what can you tell me about the physical creation and social implications of this piece? Curator: Look closely at the wear and tear. This isn't just about aesthetics; it reflects the coin's journey through various hands, each a participant in its economic and social life. The metal itself, likely bronze or copper, speaks to trade routes and the availability of resources. Editor: So, you're saying the coin itself is a record of material conditions and exchange? Curator: Precisely! Each scratch tells a story of labor, trade, and the socio-economic structure it supported. The coin embodies the means of production and consumption. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective. I never considered how much a simple coin could reveal. Curator: Indeed. It challenges us to see beyond the image and consider the material realities it represents.