As of Valentia, (T. Ahius T.f. l. Trinius,) c. 127 - 175

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this fascinating ancient coin, "As of Valentia, (T. Ahius T.f. l. Trinius,)," by T. Ahius. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how worn it looks. There's an undeniable weight of history pressing down through the texture of this small disk. Curator: The portrait on one side likely represents a deity or a deified ruler, and the reverse features imagery that would have carried symbolic weight within its culture. Editor: That stylized head, with the sun's rays emanating outward, speaks of power and authority. And the reverse, with that cruciform shape, it definitely holds symbolic meaning. Curator: Indeed. The artist's choice of such potent symbols suggests an intention to project specific cultural values and beliefs. Editor: Looking closely, I see the artistry in such a small space. The artist uses line and form to compress a lot of information into a small area. It's really an amazing piece of design. Curator: It’s a testament to the enduring human desire to communicate ideas and values through meticulously crafted objects. Editor: A small but mighty artifact offering a glimpse into a distant world.