Coin of Leo III c. 720 - 725

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this fascinating "Coin of Leo III," currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Instantly, it feels so tactile—I'm itching to hold it! There’s something weighty and powerful about that gold. Curator: Indeed. The material itself speaks volumes. Note the carefully rendered portrait of Leo III, its incised detail creating a sense of authority. Editor: It's like gazing into a distant mirror of power—a reminder that even the smallest objects can hold immense historical and artistic significance. Curator: Precisely, and the inscription surrounding the portrait adds another layer, grounding the image in a specific socio-political context. Editor: It’s intriguing how such a dense little artifact compresses layers of artistry, politics, and personal expression. Curator: It's a complex interweaving of signifiers. Editor: Well, I'm off to ponder what future civilizations will make of our coins and trinkets!