Coin of Mausolos c. 4th century

Curator: Before us is a coin of Mausolos, a small silver artifact held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's so worn! I'm immediately drawn to the soft, almost blurred quality of the relief. Curator: Mausolos was a satrap in the Achaemenid Empire, and this coin served as a powerful symbol of his authority. Currency literally puts power into the hands of the people. Editor: The composition on both sides is elegantly simple: a portrait on one side, a figure—perhaps a god—on the other. It's all about clarity of form. Curator: Exactly. Coins like this allowed rulers to disseminate their image and message, consolidating power in a very public and lasting way. Editor: Seeing the marks of time, the slight imperfections in the metal, gives it a human quality that transcends its function as mere currency. Curator: I agree. It's a fascinating glimpse into how leaders projected their image and sought to control their legacy. Editor: A beautiful and thought-provoking object.