Coin of Cotys I of Bosporos 62 CE

Curator: Here we have a coin of Cotys I of Bosporos, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about this small artifact? Editor: The imagery is quite arresting. The profile of Cotys on one side, surrounded by text, evokes a sense of authority and timelessness. Curator: Indeed. These coins, weighing about 16.1 grams, were currency, but also tools of propaganda and economic control. The material itself tells a story of access and power. Editor: Absolutely. The wreath on the reverse side, surrounding what looks like the monogram, speaks to enduring symbols of victory and status. What narrative does this coin carry forward? Curator: It speaks of the labor involved in its creation, the distribution of wealth, and the political structure that allowed Cotys to mint and circulate it. Editor: Looking closely, I see layers of history etched on the coin's surface. Symbols of power, rendered in metal, constantly negotiating meanings across time. Curator: Precisely, and examining the materials, one can see the social and economic forces at play. Editor: It seems that this coin allows us to glimpse the enduring echoes of ancient power and visual culture. Curator: Yes, it is a small thing, but it opens up many avenues of enquiry.