Coin of Germe (Mysia) under Severus Alexander 222 - 235

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Germe, Mysia, dating back to the reign of Severus Alexander. Its worn texture gives it a tangible sense of history. What do you observe in its composition? Curator: The coin's circular form and the raised relief of the figures create a compelling interplay of positive and negative space. Notice the way the artist utilizes line to define the imperial portrait on one side and the figural scene on the other. The patina, the chemical alteration of the surface, while obscuring detail, also contributes to its overall visual impact. Editor: It’s remarkable how those simple formal choices convey so much. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, it prompts further consideration of the coin's materiality as both medium and message.