Coin of Edessa under Elagabalus (or Caracalla?) c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Edessa under Elagabalus, or possibly Caracalla, from the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by the wear on the coin, almost as if it's telling a story of its journey through time. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The wear speaks volumes. This isn't just about representation; it's about the materiality of power, how it was literally handled and circulated. Consider the labor involved in its creation, the mining of the metal, the crafting of the die, and the social structures that enabled its production and use. Editor: So, the value lies in understanding the production and what the coin was used for at that time? Curator: Exactly. It shifts our focus from simply admiring a portrait to understanding the material conditions and processes that shaped its existence and meaning within that society. It is the story of production and consumption. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll never look at a coin the same way again. Curator: Indeed, now consider how it was discovered and acquired, and what meaning it holds today!