Coin of Perge under Salonina 254 - 268

Curator: This artifact is a coin from Perge under Salonina, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It appears small, unassuming, and yet holds a captivating aura of age and history. Curator: Exactly! This bronze coin speaks volumes about the political economy of the Roman Empire. Think of the labor involved in its mining, smelting, and striking. Editor: And the image of Salonina, the Empress, would have been instantly recognizable, a symbol of power and Roman authority. How intriguing that this image, though worn, still resonates across millennia! Curator: Indeed, its circulation facilitated trade and taxation, binding communities across vast distances. The wear and tear are material evidence of exchange. Editor: I see it as a powerful miniature, carrying Salonina's legacy across time, a reminder of empire and the weight of representation. Curator: It's a powerful illustration of how even the most mundane objects offer insights into broader social and material systems. Editor: And for me, it highlights the enduring power of images and symbols to connect us to the past.